Essential Design Principles for a Family Digital Mental Health Intervention: A Delphi Study

Systemic family therapy aims to improve mental health and well-being in the face of challenge by optimizing relational health between family members or people in close relationships. The potential of digital interventions for family mental health is underexplored. This study aimed to understand core principles that facilitate end-user acceptability and engagement with such a resource. A modified Delphi study was conducted to identify key factors, barriers, and risks influencing family engagement with a digital mental health intervention (DMHI). The 18 participants comprised consumers (n = 5), family therapists (n = 8), and digital mental health professionals (n = 5). Participants completed online questionnaires over two rounds. An agreement was reached on 23 essential factors, within four design principles: informed choice, anonymity and privacy, accessibility, and support and connection. Implications for the design of family DMHIs are considered alongside existing knowledge about individually focused DMHIs.