Delphi method and nominal group technique in family planning and reproductive health research

Abstract

Both the Delphi method and nominal group technique\noffer structured, transparent and replicable ways of\nsynthesising individual judgements and have been used\nextensively for priority setting and guideline development\nin health-related research including reproductive\nhealth. Within evidence-based practice they provide a\nmeans of collating expert opinion where little evidence\nexists.They are distinct from many other methods\nbecause they incorporate both qualitative and quantitative\napproaches. Both methods are inherently flexible; this\narticle also discusses other strengths and weaknesses of\nthese methods.