Quality assessment of breast cancer studies conducted with the Delphi technique

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Delphi technique is a consensus method aiming to obtain statistical estimations from a qualitative approach, through an iterative process that leads to consensus within experts. The main characteristics of the technique include iteration, anonymity, feedback, and consensus reaching. When high-quality, quantitative evidence on a particular topic is insufficient, the Delphi technique can be used for making decisions in clinical scenarios. However, the quality of studies on breast cancer conducted with this technique, has not been assessed. OBJECTIVE: We aim to evaluate the quality of studies on breast cancer which used the Delphi technique as their method. METHODS: A quality assessment tool (Quali-D) was created through consensus among experts on the Delphi technique. Then, the tool was applied to studies on breast cancer which used the Delphi technique as their method. RESULTS: Studies conducted through the Delphi technique mainly assessed for quality indicators and expressed needs in patients with breast cancer. High-quality characteristics were reported in 63.89% of the studies. 98.61% used the Delphi technique due to lack of a more adequate method to solve their research question. 98.61% summarized and presented results in a clear way. In 91.67% of the studies, at least two rounds were conducted. 86.11% described the methods for expert selection in a complete manner. Only 54.17% of the studies reported an anonymous process and 4.17% of the studies disclosed conflicts of interest thoroughly. CONCLUSIONS: A variety of topics were assessed through the Delphi technique in cases where no other technique would have been more appropriate for assessing these issues. Significant limitations are present in terms of anonymity and full disclosure of conflicts of interest. We found that the quality of studies conducted with the Delphi technique regarding breast cancer is overall good. However, the limitations of each study must be considered when applying their results to clinical practice.