Usefulness of the Delphi Method for the Assessment of a Self-Care Strategy during the Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: The Delphi method is used in medical sciences to predict an event by means of an intuitive judgment, issued by a group of experts with the help of questionnaires to achieve consensus.

Objective: To demonstrate the usefulness of the Delphi method to define the applicability, feasibility, relevance, update, scientific level and the need for the introduction of a self-care strategy for older adults with colorectal cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A descriptive, prospective and cross-sectional research was conducted from January to March 2021. The Delphi method was applied in stages to obtain consensus. Consent was obtained from the experts to participate in the anonymous assessment and those with high competence were selected. The strategy proposal was given to them, which allowed them to understand better and make a value judgment with respect to it.

Results: There was a predominance of family medicine specialists, graduated or specialized since more than 10 years ago, with a master’s in sciences degree or auxiliary professors. The selected 15 obtained a high competence coefficient. The category of very adequate predominated for applicability, feasibility, implementation, need of introduction, update and scientific level of the actions and educational activities contained in the strategy.

Conclusions: The Delphi method is useful to determine the applicability, feasibility, relevance, update, scientific level and the need for introduction of the strategy.