Developing and validating a functional social relationships enhancement program for cancer patients: A Delphi method
Bahare Zarei, Ashraf Kazemi, Masoud Bahrami, Hossein Beigi-HarcheganiBACKGROUND:
Disruptions in key functional aspects of social relationships, such as reduced support, social distress, loneliness, and isolation, contribute significantly to negative patient outcomes. An evidence-based program was designed and evaluated using the Delphi technique to enhance social relationships.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This developmental mixed-methods study, conducted in Isfahan during 2024–2025, designed and validated a program based on the Ewles and Simnett model using a three-round Delphi technique. Healthcare and psychosocial specialists participated, employing structured checklists in all rounds. Needs were prioritized in the first round (
RESULTS:
In the first Delphi round, 10 priority needs were selected out of 51, each receiving at least 70% of the total expert scores based on their importance. In the second round, 77 operational activities were selected from 105, meeting ≥80% consensus on importance, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness. In the final round, expert consensus exceeded 90% across all evaluated dimensions, confirming the overall credibility and acceptance of the program.
CONCLUSION:
Experts reached consensus through the Delphi technique to develop and validate evidence-based interventions aimed at improving functional social relationships, providing a practical framework to enhance psychosocial well-being, and strengthening supportive care for cancer patients in clinical and research settings.