Revisiting the Delphi Technique in Orthodontics: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: The Delphi technique is an iterative, multi-stage process that consists of questioning a panel of experts through a structured group communication process to reach a consensus on specific issues. The study is a systematic review of the available literature in orthodontics which has utilised the Delphi technique to seek consensus on a range of issues. Aim: To identify and summarise the studies which have utilised the Delphi technique as a method for gathering consensus in the speciality field of orthodontics. The study evaluated the various characteristics of the Delphi technique. Materials and Methods: This systematic review followed the methodology of a preset article inclusion and exclusion criteria using an electronic database search using the keywords consensus, Delphi, Delphi technique, Delphi studies, expert opinion was conducted in March 2021. A range of electronic databases comprising PubMed, Excerpta Medica database (EMBASE), Google Scholar, Web of Science and Scopus were searched dated from (January 1990 to March 2021) to identify the studies which involved the use of Delphi in orthodontics. Following this, two authors reviewed and scored each of the studies before finalising a list of five studies to be included in this review. Results: The searches revealed a total of 187 studies out of which only five studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this study. Each of the five studies was assessed by two independent assessors. The five studies involved an expert panel from multiple health professionals involving orthodontic specialists, maxillofacial surgeons, nurses, speech therapists, and nutritionists. Five domains (theme, panel constitution, panel size, number of iterations and the level at which consensus reached) were identified and assessed in each of the five studies. Conclusion: The study has identified and reviewed the Delphi technique and its usage in orthodontics but has also provided a sound description and elaboration of the various components and characteristics of the Delphi technique in addition to providing some correlations between expert panel size and the number of iterations.