INTRODUCTION:
Families are vital in supporting people with severe mental illness (SMI), yet face significant social and economic challenges.¹–³ Structured interventions like psychoeducation reduce relapse and improve functioning in high income countries,⁴⁵ but evidence from low and middle income countries (LMICs) is scarce.⁶–⁸ Existing reviews largely focus on clinical outcomes,¹⁵–¹⁸ overlooking family perspectives and the components driving intervention impact. This underscores the need for a global qualitative synthesis exploring components, barriers, facilitators, and contextual adaptations.¹⁹–²¹this review aims to synthesize global qualitative evidence on components, barriers, facilitators, and adaptations of family‑based interventions for SMI.

METHODS:
A systematic search is being conducted for studies published between 2010 and 2025. To date, PubMed and PsycINFO have been searched using tailored strings developed in consultation with supervisors. Screening has begun, with discussions guiding refinement of search terms and inclusion criteria. Eligible studies include qualitative and mixed methods research reporting on family based interventions delivered in community settings. Data synthesis adopts a critical realist perspective.¹⁹ Preliminary findings Families and service users view family based interventions as sources of empowerment, knowledge, and social connection.⁹–¹² Psychoeducation reduces self‑blame,¹⁹ while peer‑led groups provide safe spaces for hope and resilience.¹⁷ Service users gain agency, though tensions exist around the timing of family involvement.¹⁶ Providers recognize clinical value but cite workload pressures and concerns about digital tools.¹⁷ Globally, delivery is shaped by context: digital platforms dominate in high income countries,¹⁷¹⁸ while task‑sharing and cultural adaptation underpin sustainable models in LMICs.⁶¹³

CONCLUSIONS:
These preliminary findings demonstrate how family based interventions foster empowerment and agency while sustainability depends on provider capacity, technological feasibility, and cultural adaptation.⁶¹² Through critical realist analysis,¹⁹ the review hopes to generate practical guidance for adapting interventions across diverse settings, ensuring cultural relevance and equity. Full findings will be presented at the conference.