Delphi survey of opinion on interventions, service principles and service organisation for severe mental illness and substance misuse problems

Abstract

As the evidence for the efficacy of treatment programmes for substance misuse and severe mental illness is very limited, a national three stage Delphi survey was conducted to try and achieve consensus of views amongst a panel of 154 experts in the UK. The panel reached consensus on the best ways to identify those with severe mental illness and substance misuse problems, on principles essential for a service and on training and research. There was also consensus on interventions/techniques considered the most important, and on those considered less important. There was no consensus on how services should be organised. The survey reflects the best evidence so far as to the views of those in the UK who are involved in this challenging area. The consensus items offer useful and realistic guidance for practitioners on the identification and treatment of those with severe mental illness and substance misuse problems.