Building a consumer health informatics introductory course consensus curriculum: an eDelphi study

Objective: To develop consensus-based core competencies for an entry-level graduate Consumer Health Informatics (CHI) course using a rigorous eDelphi methodology. Materials and methods: We conducted initial fieldwork examining the CHI literature and existing educational approaches, identifying foundational themes in the field. Using inductive analysis, these themes were synthesized into preliminary course objectives. We created an advisory board to review and refine all course objectives and resolve disagreements within the survey results. A modified eDelphi process was then employed, systematically soliciting expert feedback through iterative Qualtrics surveys to refine and achieve consensus on core competencies. Results: Three Delphi survey rounds were completed, resulting in 11 core competencies deemed essential for an entry-level graduate CHI curriculum. Discussion: These competencies reflect expert agreement on the foundational knowledge and skills required for graduates entering the rapidly evolving CHI landscape. Conclusion: As digital health technologies become increasingly sophisticated and prevalent, CHI education plays a critical role in preparing informatics professionals to support patient-centered care. Despite this need, there are no standardized competencies for CHI courses. The competencies presented here provide a durable curricular framework that can help guide graduate-level CHI education while remaining adaptable for instructors, institutions, and ongoing technological change.