Abstract: Objective: To develop a community-linked peer support program for family caregivers of patients with dementia based on peer support program development guide, so as to provide guidance and reference for the community to carry out family caregiver support for patients with dementia. Methods: Through literature research, analysis of Wechat group chat messages, semi-structured interviews and expert group meetings, the first draft of the peer support program for family caregivers of patients with dementia was constructed. After two rounds of Delphi expert consultations, the final version of the program was formed. Results: The effective return rates of questionnaires in two rounds were 85.0% and 100.0%, respectively. Both of the expert authority coefficient were 0.875. The Kendall's coefficient of concordance for importance and feasibility in the first round of expert consultation were 0.097 and 0.098, respectively, and in the second round were 0.083 and 0.115, respectively, all of which were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The final version of the program consisted of 4 first-level items, 15 second-level items and 51 third-level items. Conclusion: The community-linked peer support program for family caregivers of patients with dementia is scientific, reliable, comprehensive and operable, and can provide guidance for the community to support family caregivers of patients with dementia.

Key words: dementia; family caregiver; peer support; community nursing; Delphi method