Abstract
Background:
To develop a valid algorithm for temporary bans on new psychoactive substances (NPSs) to minimize the intervention of the subjective opinions of experts in the temporary scheduling process.
Methods:
This study consisted of a preliminary survey, a 2-phase Delphi survey, and a final consensus survey. In Phase 1 of the Delphi survey, the importance of 7 criteria for designating subjects of temporary bans, as confirmed through a preliminary survey, was evaluated. Phase 2 survey was conducted to investigate the suitability of detailed questions representing the key criteria to be included in the algorithm. In the final phase, the final algorithm was selected, and several questions regarding the expert evaluation of the algorithm were asked. The mean scores of importance and the content validity ratio were calculated for consistency.
Results:
Nineteen panelists participated in a Delphi survey. The experts agreed on 5 criteria and 22 detailed questions for designating subjects of temporary bans. The finally selected algorithm involves primary evaluation of ‘Abuse potential and dependence’, ‘Social risks’, and ‘Regulatory cases in reference countries’ and secondary considerations about ‘Pharmacological effects on the central nervous system’ and ‘Toxicity and harmfulness’. For expert evaluation, the preferred number of participating experts was 7. Many participants (77.8%) responded that the average expert evaluation score for temporary bans was 2 or higher.
Conclusions:
We developed a valid algorithm for temporary bans on NPS that can effectively regulate NPS and prevent the spread of addictive substances.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
Supplementary Material
Please find the following supplemental material available below.
For Open Access articles published under a Creative Commons License, all supplemental material carries the same license as the article it is associated with.
For non-Open Access articles published, all supplemental material carries a non-exclusive license, and permission requests for re-use of supplemental material or any part of supplemental material shall be sent directly to the copyright owner as specified in the copyright notice associated with the article.
