Consensus Development Using the Delphi Method - Online Course
A 3-Day Livestream Seminar Taught by
Sean GrantWednesday, November 11 —
Friday, November 13, 2026
10:00am-12:30pm (convert to your local time)
1:30pm-3:30pm
The Delphi method is an iterative, anonymous, structured, group-based communication process and elicitation technique designed to help policymakers, researchers, and practitioners make decisions under conditions of uncertainty and incomplete information. It is based on the premise that asking a hand-picked group of anonymous experts the same questions several times and sharing the other experts’ answers will help objectively develop group consensus, which is used as a form of evidence. The Delphi method is now used extensively for expert elicitation and stakeholder engagement. Thousands of articles using the Delphi method are published each year across medicine, social science, science and technology studies, and other disciplines. Despite these trends, there is scarce methodological training for how to conduct rigorous Delphi studies.
The goal of this seminar is to provide practical advice for when to use the Delphi method, what type of Delphi to choose, and what to consider when designing, implementing, and reporting Delphi panel results. Planned activities include a lecture on recent methodological guidance for conducting Delphi panels, a walkthrough of a Delphi protocol following this guidance, and hands-on exercises to build skills for applying methodological standards for Delphi studies. Upon completion of the seminar, you will be able to appraise the quality of an already-conducted Delphi study, as well as prospectively design and implement your own Delphi study protocol.
Starting November 11, this seminar will be presented as a three-day synchronous livestream workshop via Zoom. Each day will feature two sessions with hands-on exercises, separated by a 1-hour break. Live attendance is recommended for the best experience. If you can’t join in real time, recordings will be available within 24 hours and accessible for four weeks after the seminar.
Closed captioning is available for all live and recorded sessions. Captions can be translated to a variety of languages including Spanish, Korean, and Italian. For more information, click here.
ECTS Equivalent Points: 1
More details about the course content
This course provides a comprehensive walkthrough of best practices for conducting studies using the Delphi method. Sessions cover the origin and history of the method, the “classical” Delphi method and its variants, and generic and bespoke software for the Delphi method, as well as key considerations for study design, collecting and analyzing data, and disseminating findings. We will review methodological guidelines and standards for reporting and critical appraisal developed specifically for the Delphi method. Throughout, we will review examples from a variety of academic disciplines.
This course provides a comprehensive walkthrough of best practices for conducting studies using the Delphi method. Sessions cover the origin and history of the method, the “classical” Delphi method and its variants, and generic and bespoke software for the Delphi method, as well as key considerations for study design, collecting and analyzing data, and disseminating findings. We will review methodological guidelines and standards for reporting and critical appraisal developed specifically for the Delphi method. Throughout, we will review examples from a variety of academic disciplines.
Computing
This course will include a review of various software options for conducting Delphi studies, including bespoke platforms. Several software options will be discussed (but not demonstrated), including ExpertLens, Welphi, eDelphi, SmartDelphi, and DelphiManager.
That said, the focus of the course will be on the collection and analysis of data from studies using the Delphi method irrespective of the software used, as the principles discussed in this course can be applied in a variety of web survey and data analysis software.
This course will include a review of various software options for conducting Delphi studies, including bespoke platforms. Several software options will be discussed (but not demonstrated), including ExpertLens, Welphi, eDelphi, SmartDelphi, and DelphiManager.
That said, the focus of the course will be on the collection and analysis of data from studies using the Delphi method irrespective of the software used, as the principles discussed in this course can be applied in a variety of web survey and data analysis software.
Who should register?
This seminar is ideal for anyone planning to conduct a study using the Delphi method. The seminar is also beneficial for those who critically appraise studies using the Delphi method—for example, as a thesis advisor, editor, peer reviewer, or funding panel member.
You will develop practical skills in study design, data collection, data analysis, and reporting. The content is applicable to anyone in the various disciplines that use the Delphi method, including but not limited to: health, social, behavioral, and environmental sciences.
Some prior knowledge of survey design is recommended.
This seminar is ideal for anyone planning to conduct a study using the Delphi method. The seminar is also beneficial for those who critically appraise studies using the Delphi method—for example, as a thesis advisor, editor, peer reviewer, or funding panel member.
You will develop practical skills in study design, data collection, data analysis, and reporting. The content is applicable to anyone in the various disciplines that use the Delphi method, including but not limited to: health, social, behavioral, and environmental sciences.
Some prior knowledge of survey design is recommended.
Seminar outline
Day 1: Introduction to the Delphi method
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- History and purpose of the Delphi method
- Key characteristics of the “classical” Delphi method
- Variants of the Delphi method
- Examples of applications across various disciplines
- Software for conducting studies using the Delphi method
Day 2: Designing and conducting studies using the Delphi method
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- Selecting and justifying the type of Delphi method
- Identifying and recruiting Delphi panelists
- Developing survey items and response options
- Deciding the nature of feedback, discussion, and other study features
- Analyzing data (descriptive, consensus, stability, comments)
Day 3: Reporting and evaluating studies using the Delphi method
-
- Reporting guidelines for consensus development methods
- Research transparency and return of results to panelists
- Ethical considerations for studies using the Delphi method
- The Delphi Critical Appraisal Tool
Day 1: Introduction to the Delphi method
-
- History and purpose of the Delphi method
- Key characteristics of the “classical” Delphi method
- Variants of the Delphi method
- Examples of applications across various disciplines
- Software for conducting studies using the Delphi method
Day 2: Designing and conducting studies using the Delphi method
-
- Selecting and justifying the type of Delphi method
- Identifying and recruiting Delphi panelists
- Developing survey items and response options
- Deciding the nature of feedback, discussion, and other study features
- Analyzing data (descriptive, consensus, stability, comments)
Day 3: Reporting and evaluating studies using the Delphi method
-
- Reporting guidelines for consensus development methods
- Research transparency and return of results to panelists
- Ethical considerations for studies using the Delphi method
- The Delphi Critical Appraisal Tool
Payment information
The fee of $995 USD includes all course materials.
PayPal and all major credit cards are accepted.
Our Tax ID number is 26-4576270.
The fee of $995 USD includes all course materials.
PayPal and all major credit cards are accepted.
Our Tax ID number is 26-4576270.