Development of a theory-based family resilience intervention program for parents of children with chronic diseases: A Delphi study

Abstract

Background: Long-term illness exposes children with chronic diseases to a high risk of deterioration of physical and mental health. Developing an effective family resilience intervention program is a critical concern.

Objective: To develop a theory-based family resilience intervention program for parents of children with chronic diseases and provide a reference for clinical intervention.

Methods: A two-phased research design, guided by the Walsh family resilience process model, was employed to develop the intervention program. In phase 1, a scoping literature review was conducted to identify the possible elements of family resilience interventions. In phase 2, a three-round Delphi survey was conducted with experts (n = 14) using an online electronic survey to obtain their consensus on the intervention content.

Results: Three main components were identified: (1) strengthening family beliefs, (2) adjusting the family organization pattern, and (3) improving the family communication process. And 8 modules were developed: "introducing adversity and family resilience", "finding and strengthening positive family beliefs, and building confidence to live with the disease", "analyzing and adjusting family structure", "assisting families to increase and utilizing internal and external resources", "optimizing communication skills", "strengthening collaborative problem-solving capacity", "enhancing the family narrative ability", and "enhancing emotional expression". After 3-round Delphi, the findings indicated that the intervention program is applicable and feasible for parents of children with chronic diseases in China.

Conclusion: The principal merit of this study lies in the development of a family resilience intervention program for parents of children with chronic diseases. The intervention's usability and efficacy should be investigated in future studies.

Implications to practice: Developing a family resilience intervention program is a critical first step toward providing effective care for parents of children with chronic diseases, and evaluating the program's feasibility and suitability in the target population is warranted.

Keywords: Children with chronic diseases; Delphi; Family resilience; Intervention development; Parent.