Collective wisdom and decision making in surgical oncology

Abstract

Aim To describe systems for capturing and optimising collective knowledge and insight in areas of complexity and uncertainty in surgical oncology, with particular reference to the Delphi process and related systems. Methods Internet search engines (Google, Google Scholar) and four databases (SCOPUS, PubMed, Medline and Embase) were searched to find English language articles on the use of The Delphi Process and related systems in surgical oncology, using a variety of search terms. Findings There are a number of established systems for co-opting group knowledge and facilitating collective decision-making. These find applications in commerce, industry, government and defence. They have also been applied to problems in surgical oncology, for example using the Delphi process to optimise the management of colorectal cancers and metastases. Conclusions Collective decision making tools find practical applications in the allocation of resources and in clinical decision making in fields of surgical oncology practice where there is a wide range of evidence and expert opinion. Such methodologies set new standards for the collating of professional expertise and for the writing of “best clinical practice” guidelines in the cancer subspecialities.