The present article has the objective of updating rehabilitation health professionals on the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) developed by the World Health Organization. The ICF’s history, application and perspectives in rehabilitation are discussed

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Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade (CIF)

The Delphi method was originally developed in the 50s by the RAND Corporation in Santa Monica, California. This approach consists of a survey conducted in two or more rounds and provides the participants in the second round with the results of the first so that they can alter the original assessments if they want to-or stick to their previous opinion. Nobody 'looses face' because the survey is done anonymously using a questionnaire (the first Delphis were panels). It is commonly assumed that the method makes better use of group interaction (Rowe et al. 1991, Häder/Häder 1995) whereby the questionnaire is the medium of interaction (Martino 1983). The Delphi method is especially useful for long-range forecasting (20-30 years), as expert opinions are the only source of information available. Meanwhile, the communication effect of Delphi studies and therefore the value of the process as such is also acknowledged. During the last ten years, the Delphi method was used more often especially for national science and technology foresight. Some modifications and methodological improvements have been made, meanwhile. Nevertheless, one has to be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the method so that it cannot be applied in every case. It is useful for an assessment of new things to come and in cases, which can be explained very shortly. This means for complex themes, it is better to use other methodologies like scenarios and to take into account what Delphi results can provide as single information pieces. Thus, Delphi studies were mainly applied in science, technology and education contexts, but one can think of different occasions. Delphi studies are rather complex procedures and require some resources depending on the breadth of the study planned. Delphi studies are processes that include the preparation, a survey in two or more rounds and some analyses and application (implementation) when the survey is finished. All three phases are important and are addressed during the course. For the preparation phase and the implementation, some practical exercises in small groups are conducted so that the participants gain a feeling for a Delphi procedure.

The Delphi method

Aim. To outline the key concepts and principles of the Delphi technique.

Methods. Reference is made to a selection of studies that illustrate a variety of methodological interpretations. Drawing on Heshusius's concept of ‘goodness criteria’, particular emphasis is given to the question of scientific merit and means of evaluation.

Conclusion. Although the technique should be used with caution, it appears to be an established method of harnessing the opinions of an often diverse group of experts on practice-related problems.

https://rachel.org/files/document/The_Delphi_Technique_Myths_and_Realities.pdf

The Delphi technique: myths and realities.

A critical review of the Delphi technique as a research methodology for nursing

https://isiarticles.com/bundles/Article/pre/pdf/1047.pdf

Consensus measurement in Delphi studies: Review and implications for future quality assurance

As in nursing, recent curriculum reform in radiographer education has resulted in the development of undergraduate programmes, and a study referred to in this paper investigated the activities of supervising radiographers in support of the undergraduate curriculum. Following on from 'ward learning environments' research in nursing, the most important activities which assist radiography students' clinical learning were investigated by means of the Delphi technique. At the design stage, a deficiency in previous work using the technique was identified, in that decisions relating to consensus among research respondents appeared to be based on arbitrary or post hoc rationales rather than predetermined or objective criteria. As the Delphi technique is being increasingly employed in nursing and similar research, it is important to explore issues of consensus, validity and reliability. The paper makes recommendations for improving these aspects in future studies.

The Delphi technique: a methodological discussion.

Like many other health care professions, recent curriculum reform in radiographer education has resulted in the development of an undergraduate programme, which aims to produce an independent, ‘reflective’ practitioner. It was therefore considered that the role of supervising radiographers would be even more critical than previously, and their activities in the clinical setting which would support the aims of the curriculum were examined. The study methodology was separated into two stages. First, the Delphi technique consulted expert radiographers in order to define clearly the role of clinical supervisors. The statement derived by the experts using the Delphi method was used to assist students in making their judgements. The second stage used the Critical incident technique, in which students described activities by radiographers which assisted or hindered their learning. As well as clarifying the current activities of practitioners when supervising student radiographers, the findings indicated that the...

Clinical supervision skills: a Delphi and critical incident technique study

Theories of professional knowledge and reflective practice were used in the development of a new postgraduate programme. Central to the curriculum design was the acknowledgement that a wealth of knowledge creation takes place outside the academic setting. The existing experience of practitioners is an important source of knowledge, and the ability to reflect on and share experience is a powerful form of learning. These concepts were integrated into the curriculum, and the paper gives a number of examples to demonstrate how the programme works in practice.

Using theories of professional knowledge and reflective practice to influence educational change

https://www.radiographyonline.com/article/S1078-8174(97)90031-6/pdf

Patricia L. Williams

Papers

The Delphi technique: a methodological discussion.

Clinical supervision skills: a Delphi and critical incident technique study

Using theories of professional knowledge and reflective practice to influence educational change

Extended roles of radiographers working in nuclear medicine: A survey of current practice

Competent to practise? A case foroccupational standards