Delphi Based Consensus by developing Relapse Prevention for Bipolar Disorder

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the gaps in clinical practices followed by the experts to make a relapse prevention plan that is culturally suitable for the people living in the area of Islamabad/ Rawalpindi in Pakistan. The significance is to reduce the relapse of bipolar disorder and improve the quality of life for people. The modified Delphi method was applied through three rounds: (1) Data was collected through both academic and nonacademic references (2) Themes were compiled on the basis of the findings of the first phase and distributed to the experts, which consisted of psychiatrists, psychologists, caregivers, and patient in recovery and (3) Modifying or replacing items after the feedback of the experts and concluding the consensus according to the guidelines. The total number of participants was N=24. It also revealed a large agreement among the expert group on the investigated areas of gaps in clinical practices. Consensus was ultimately reached for 8 items of the Delphi survey (80 %). A relapse prevention plan is developed that is more culturally appropriate and will help to manage this disorder more effectively. It is therefore recommended to investigate this study further by using more experts from different cities and including policymakers to determine if these consensuses are applicable in clinical settings and for a larger population. In the future, it can also be studied using longitudinal or intervention-based to investigate the plan more quantitatively.