E-Delphi Study: Expert Consensus on the Needs and Resources Available to Family Caregivers of Individuals with Substance Use Disorder

Abstract

Background Family caregivers of individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) experience a significant burden and have few evidence-based resources available. Aim To obtain a consensus of expert views on the needs, and resources available, to family caregivers of individuals with SUD given the COVID-19 pandemic and other sociopolitical factors. Methods Quantitative design using the Classic e-Delphi method of multiple iterations of questioning to reach a consensus among expert panelists. Purposive sampling was used to recruit a multidisciplinary, nationwide panel of SUD experts from professional contacts, professional organization list servers, websites relevant to support groups for family caregivers, flyers, and word of mouth. In round 1 panelists (n = 96) responded to open-ended questions about the support provided to family caregivers, and the additional needs of family caregivers. In subsequent rounds, the panel rated collated responses in terms of agreement (n = 54) and importance (n = 48). Results Thematic content analysis identified ten needs in the resources available to family caregivers. Consensus was obtained across thematic categories and the remaining items were ranked according to importance. Conclusions Participatory-based SUD research that includes the expertise of healthcare providers, support leaders, and family caregivers is necessary to develop evidence-based interventions to increase caregiver resilience and facilitate coping. Several clear conclusions that address social and structural determinants of health emerged, including the need for increased access to healthcare and community services, more self-care strategies for families, and focused public advocacy to reduce SUD-related stigma.