Research and scholarly methods: Consensus techniques

Consensus methods can be useful tools in pharmacy practice, guiding decision‐making in areas such as optimizing medication use, identifying educational priorities, overcoming implementation barriers, and shaping policy statements. These methods are particularly valuable when rigorous data are lacking or when conflicting evidence complicates clinical decisions. This paper explores two widely used consensus techniques, the Delphi Method and the Nominal Group Technique (NGT), contrasting their key features, applications, and suitability for different scenarios. The Delphi Method employs iterative, anonymous surveys with controlled feedback to refine expert opinions, making it ideal for structured problem‐solving. In contrast, NGT fosters dynamic group discussions, making it particularly effective for addressing poorly defined issues and generating innovative ideas. Given the challenges pharmacists face when clinical guidelines offer insufficient guidance, consensus methods serve as critical tools for synthesizing expert perspectives. This paper outlines the process of achieving consensus, highlights real‐world applications in pharmacy practice, and provides practical recommendations for selecting and implementing the most appropriate method.