ABSTRACT
Despite consensus group methods such as Delphi technique commonly used in medical education, there is a lack of standardization in methodology definitions and reporting. Size of the panel is one of fundamental questions of the researcher in a Delphi study. The present study was conducted to determine adequacy of the panel size in the Delphi round.METHODSIn this study, to determine adequacy of the panel size, the data stability was investigated in Delphi round. The Delphi study was conducted to determine competencies of educational leaders in Iran's medical sciences universities. Original data was collected from 33 experts, who were selected purposefully. Computer-generated samples of 1000 and 2000 were used for resampling. Data analysis was performed using bootstrap technique.RESULTSResults of the bootstrap technique showed that, in each of the three data groups (original and resampling data), 10 common items were in priority of 1 to 10. Ethical, commitment, punctuality, full recognition of their duties, strategic thinking, believing in values and morals, self-confidence, team working, trusteeship, motivation, maintaining morale, and supporting the faculty and staff were selected as 10 common competencies.CONCLUSIONSStability results of three data types showed that, selected panel size was sufficient to conduct this research. In Delphi studies, regardless of emphasis on small or large panel size, a panel of appropriate size should be selected. Using statistical methods, adequacy of size of the study panel can also be ensured.