[The Delphi panel "atherosclerosis report"--concept and experiences].

Abstract

While the overall mortality in Austria is decreasing and life expectancy is increasing the mortality rate from ischaemic heart disease has been stable for more than 15 years despite therapeutic progress. In many countries well-established prevention programs have helped to decrease the cardiovascular mortality by more than the overall mortality. In order to provide the basis of a nationwide program to reduce morbidity from cardiovascular diseases, their epidemiological importance must be documented convincingly, as well as the available strategies for their prevention and therapy. The most convincing form of documentation is a joint statement by leading medical experts. Hence, the "Delphi panel" method was chosen as the most appropriate approach. In Austria, the Institute of Social Medicine, University of Vienna and the Austrian Society of Hygiene, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine published the "Atherosklerosebericht" (atherosclerotic report), result of a written Delphi panel, in June 1988. Concept and practical experiences are reported below.