Developing and validating a functional social relationships enhancement program for cancer patients: A Delphi method

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.

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 (n = 10), operational activities evaluated in the second (n = 10), and the program validated in the third (n = 10). Data were analyzed with SPSS 23 using descriptive statistics.

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.

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.