An Introduction to Policy Delphi; A tool for discovering the opposing views on health policy issues

Objective: In this review, we investigated various aspects of Policy Delphi technique to make decision-makers more aware of this pertinent method so that they can use it in their policy decisions in their organizations. Information sources and selected methods for study: This study was conducted using a review method and by searching the related literature in databases such as PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. In addition, texts in related books or reports were also used. The most important keywords were Policy Delphi, decision making tools, health policy making, decision making, and health. Results: Unlike the traditional Delphi, which seeks consensus on ideas and is a decision-making tool, Policy Delphi is a useful tool for analyzing the policy issues and is more about identifying the opposing views on a policy issue. Policy Delphi seeks to address the policy-related issues and does not seek to reach consensus. In various texts, 6 steps were introduced to this approach: formulating the issues, exposing the options, determining initial positions on the issues, exploring and obtaining the reasons for disagreements, evaluating the underlying reasons, and reevaluating the options. The most important rating scales included desirability, feasibility, importance, and confidence. Conclusion: Application of Policy Delphi in examining policy changes and policy issues is of high importance and can emerge many unintended and negative consequences for a policy. So, it is recommended to use this tool in the health sector due to its wide setting and complexity and since it has different stakeholders with different views and opinions.