The polling of experts in a field to reach consensus, make decisions, or disseminate knowledge. Individual specialists are organized in a virtual group, i.e., one that does not meet face-to-face in one place. They are each given a standard set of questions to answer or review. Their responses are tallied by the group’s organizers, and then the preliminary data analysis is shared with all members of the group for further comments and revisions. A final report summarizing the opinions of the group is drafted. The Delphi method is one means of publishing criteria for standards of care or the state of the art of a particular discipline in health care.