Delphi consensus process

Harmonisation of practice

For some components of formation of an ileocolic anastomosis, there is no randomised or observational evidence base to support technical decision making. Here, ESCP used a process of consensus called the Delphi consensus method to find out where there is agreement, and where disagreement between a panel of expert Colorectal surgeons.

Over 400 surgeons in total were part of this Delphi consensus exercise over two voting rounds. Responses of other surgeons and any free text feedback was provided back to respondents between rounds to help surgeons to understand why disagreements may exist.

• Where agreement was over 75%, consensus was accepted, and this component has been recommended as part of the ESCP harmonised technique for stapled ileocolic anastomosis.
• Where agreement was 50-75%, consensus was not accepted, but these steps have been included as reasonable variations in practice.
• Where there is low agreement (<50%), there may be opportunity to reduce unnecessary variation in practice, and improve patient safety.

A short presentation summarising the results of the Delphi consensus process, that was presented at the 2018 ESCP 13th Scientific and Annual Meeting in Nice can be found here: ESCP Delphi Results 2018