Consensus technologies in the analysis of guidelines: international experience of application of Delphi method in anesthesiology and intensive care. Systematic review

Abstract

Introduction. To perform research aimed at solving problems, checking existing and formulating new hypotheses, making decisions or judging on any problem, the Delphi method and its modifications are often used. In recent years, the use of this method in research in various fields of medicine is gaining popularity; nevertheless, the technique is rarely used in domestic practice. Objectives. To describe the features of the application of the Delphi method in the expert assessment of recommendations and to evaluate its application in anesthesia and intensive care. Materials and methods. The publications were searched in the electronic databases PubMed and RSCI. Date of last search query is January 15, 2021. The search was carried out using the keywords “clinical practice”, “anesthesia intensive care guidelines”, “clinical practice guidelines”, “anesthesia intensive care guidelines”, “Delphi method”. Results. This review describes the principles of the Delphi method, its advantages and limitations, provides examples of its use in clinical trials and in the analysis and development of recommendations in relation to anesthesiology and intensive care. The example of the analysis of recommendations shows the implementation of the quality assessment of the provisions being developed. Conclusions. The Delphi method can be used to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the diagnostic and treatment methods proposed in the framework of the recommendations.