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Chapter 11 - Using Online Survey Tools to Improve Access to International Experts

The ‘E-Delphi’

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 November 2024

By
Georgina Clutterbuck
Edited by
Paul M.W. Hackett ,
Christopher M. Hayre ,
Dave Muller ,
Marcia Scherer  and
Ava Gordley-Smith
Paul M.W. Hackett
Affiliation:
Emerson College, Boston
Christopher M. Hayre
Affiliation:
The University of Canberra
Dave Muller
Affiliation:
Suffolk University, Massachusetts
Marcia Scherer
Affiliation:
University of Rochester Medical Center, New York
Ava Gordley-Smith
Affiliation:
University of Suffolk
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Summary

The Delphi technique has been used since the 1950s to reach consensus between experts through a series of iterative questionnaires.  Delphi studies were traditionally conducted in-person, or via ‘snail-mail’. Early iterations of the ‘e-Delphi’ mimicked these traditional methods by employing technological communication processes such as e-mail. The increasing availability and useability of online survey tools has modernised the Delphi process. This chapter explores the benefits of conducting a Delphi study in an online environment using modern survey tools. Experiences with the e-Delphi during research in areas such as rehabilitation sciences have indicated benefits including the ability to recruit experts regardless of their location, improved participant anonymity, streamlined data analysis, and substantial time and cost savings. However, while online methods can diminish geographical inequity, restricted digital infrastructure access and gaps in recruiter knowledge of potential participants can simultaneously increase discrimination and bias.

Keywords

e-Delphionline surveyelectronic Delphiexpert consensusonline Delphi
Type
Chapter
Information
The Future of Qualitative Research in Healthcare
The Role and Management of Digital Methods
 , pp. 161 - 184
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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