Mental health services have transitioned towards a recovery-oriented approach, prioritizing human rights and the self-determination of users. Central to this approach is the concept of connection, highlighting the significant impact of positive support. In many instances, families constitute the primary support system for mental health service users, introducing unique challenges in the process of supporting persons with mental health problems. Recognizing the facilitators and obstacles faced by families and caregivers in supporting their loved ones is crucial. This study aims to establish an international consensus on the key facilitators and barriers in supporting the recovery process, as seen from the perspectives of families and caregivers of mental health service users.
To achieve this, family member and caregiver associations were invited to participate in a three-round global e-Delphi study. Fifty-three family members and caregivers worldwide consented to participate. The first round involved two open-ended questions concerning the facilitators and barriers in supporting mental health recovery. The second round focused on evaluating the relevance of each statement derived from the qualitative analysis of the initial responses. The third round entailed re-evaluating those statements that did not meet the predetermined relevance threshold, defined as 70% - 80% of participants rating them as "relevant" or "very relevant".
This study presents the 12 most significant facilitators and 12 principal obstacles in supporting recovery, as agreed upon by consensus among family members and caregivers of mental health service users. The statements with the highest agreement underscore the importance of being present, trusting users, and being willing to learn. These findings contribute to elucidating new avenues for families supporting their relatives in the mental health recovery process.
Findings contribute to elucidating new frontiers to care for families supporting their relatives in the mental health process from a recovery-oriented approach.