Using Delphi to achieve congruent objectives and activities in a pediatrics department.

This study demonstrated the use of the Delphi technique in conjunction with activity analysis to obtain consensus on and clarity of objectives and activities of full-time members of an academic medical department. The results indicated that the Delphi technique is an effective method not only for obtaining a consensus on objectives but also for elucidating areas where there is no apparent consensus. The results also revealed which activities contributed to the objectives of the department and in which areas there was a divergence of objectives from the actual activities being carried out.