Nursing, psychotherapy and advanced cancer: A scoping review

Living with mesothelioma: a systematic review of mental health and well-being impacts and interventions for patients and their informal carers

OBJECTIVES

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer predominantly affecting the lung and abdominal linings. It can have a unique impact on mental health and well-being (MHWB) due to its incurability, poor prognosis and asbestos-exposure causation. This review's aims were to identify/synthesise international evidence on mesothelioma's MHWB impacts; explore MHWB interventions used by patients and carers; and identify evidence of their effectiveness.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

DATA SOURCES

Databases, searched March 2022 and March 2024, were MEDLINE; CINAHL; PsycINFO; Cochrane Library; ASSIA.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We included study designs focusing on psychological impacts of living with mesothelioma and MHWB interventions used by patients and informal carers, published in English since January 2002.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

A team of reviewers screened included studies using standardised methods. Quality was assessed using validated tools: Mixed-Methods Appraisal tool for primary research and Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic Reviews.

RESULTS

Forty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria: 20 qualitative, 16 quantitative, nine reviews, two mixed-methods, one combined systematic review/qualitative study. UK studies predominated. Many MHWB impacts were reported, including traumatic stress, depression, anxiety and guilt. These were influenced by mesothelioma's causation, communication issues and carer-patient relational interactions. Participants used wide-ranging MHWB interventions, including religious/spiritual practice; talking to mental-health professionals; meaning-making. Some strategies were presented as unhelpful, for example, denial. Participants reported lack of access to support.

CONCLUSIONS

Most qualitative studies were rated high quality. The quality of the quantitative studies and reviews varied. The sparse literature regarding MHWB in mesothelioma means more research is needed into impacts on patients and carers, including trauma. To enable access to evidence-based support, research is recommended concerning MHWB interventions' effectiveness in mesothelioma.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022302187.

Psychotherapeutic nursing as Advanced Clinical Practice for the promotion of mental health in Spain

OBJECTIVE

To contribute to the recognition of psychotherapeutic nursing (PTN) as a regulated advanced clinical practice (ACP) in Spain, as is the case in other countries.

BACKGROUND

Nurses are continually evolving to improve overall health outcomes. PTN has become a reality, with several authors describing it as an ACP. In Spain, psychotherapy is not officially regulated, which has led to a significant number of psychiatric nurses adopting an important ACP in this area without recognition.

SOURCES OF EVIDENCE

Evidence confirms that PTN possesses the attributes necessary to be considered an ACP. Nurses, like psychotherapists, independently address the complex needs of individuals and families within the context of therapeutic relationships, and there is a pressing need to advance formal processes of regulation and certification.

DISCUSSION

PTN has evolved at different rates depending on local initiatives, policies and various professional interests. In Spain, it is crucial to evaluate its outcomes, recognise it as an ACP and develop training plans for its regulation and accreditation.

CONCLUSIONS

Mental health nurses in Spain have a strong interest in PTN being recognised as an ACP. To this end, they should join forces with other partners, scientific associations and international bodies such as the International Council of Nurses (ICN) to make PTN an internationally recognised ACP.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Psychotherapeutic nurses could contribute to improving mental health outcomes, client satisfaction and health system efficiency, and their formal recognition is an opportunity to enhance their professional identity, competence and autonomy.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING POLICY

Nursing policy needs to be reoriented towards strengthening psychotherapy as an ACP. Synergies and alliances between international nursing associations and the ICN can promote its development and implementation, while research, education and leadership are essential to achieving official regulation and accreditation.

Mental health and wellbeing in mesothelioma: A qualitative study exploring what helps the wellbeing of those living with this illness and their informal carers

PURPOSE

Mesothelioma is an incurable, asbestos related cancer with a poor prognosis. Little is known about how patients and carers living with the condition manage their mental health and wellbeing needs. This paper reports findings on interventions being used by patients and informal carers living with mesothelioma and those which they find most helpful.

METHODS

In-depth interviews with patients (n = 10) and (informal) carers (n = 11) living with mesothelioma in the UK. We analysed our data inductively using a reflexive thematic analysis approach.

RESULTS

Participants described the importance of both smaller and larger actions and strategies which helped with their mental health. This included spending more time with family and friends and going on holidays. Professionals who participants said supported their mental health journey included not only specialist nurses and mental health professionals but also legal and Asbestos Support Group professionals. The latter demonstrates the unique needs and support required for this population. Exposure to asbestos as the cause of mesothelioma, has led to a social justice aspect of the experience of living with this cancer. Participants reported the importance of collective action to their mental health and wellbeing. The data indicate that patients and carers may have distinct mental health and wellbeing requirements and need to manage these in different ways at different times.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings have implications for nurses and other key professionals working in healthcare, community and legal settings supporting this client group, and for those living with mesothelioma who want to understand ways to enhance their own wellbeing.

Effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on anxiety and depressive symptoms in advanced cancer patients: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients with advanced cancer.

METHODS

A systematical search was conducted on Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Chinese Biomedical Database, CNKI, VIP Database, and Wanfang database, and the search time was from the inception to May 26, 2023. Randomized controlled trials focusing on the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients with advanced cancer were collected using relevant terms such as advanced stage, cancer, anxiety, depression, and cognitive behavioral therapy. The quality of included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias (ROB 2.0) tool, and meta-analysis was performed using RevMan5.4 software.

RESULTS

15 articles, including 1,597 patients, were included. Twelve of the studies reported the effect of CBT on anxiety symptoms in 1,485 advanced cancer patients; Fifteen studies reported the effect of CBT on depressive symptoms in 1,861 advanced cancer patients. The results of meta-analysis showed that CBT was effective in decreasing anxiety [SMD = -0.55, 95% CI (-0.82, -0.27), P < 0.001, I2 = 84%] and depressive symptoms [SMD = -0.38, 95% CI (-0.58, -0.17), P < 0.001, I2 = 78%] in patients with advanced cancer compared to controls, especially the interventions that were delivered lasted for 2-8 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Cognitive behavioral therapy lasting for 2-8 weeks is effective for anxiety and depressive symptoms in advanced cancer patients to a moderate degree, but more rigorous research is needed to guide the choice between online and face-to-face delivery mode and the priority of self-guided versus therapist-guided interventions still needs to be studied.

Developing a psychological care competences framework for nurses in China: a mixed methods study

BACKGROUND

With social transformation, rapid economic development and deepening awareness of psychological health in China, people's demand for psychological health services is becoming increasingly urgent. A key challenge for Chinese medical organizations is to train enough qualified psychological care nurses. A greater understanding of psychological care competences (PCC) can help in clinical nurse selection, training, and assessment.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a PCC framework for Chinese nurses and obtain a consensus on the framework among experts.

METHODS

A descriptive mixed methods study was designed consisting of a literature review and semi-structured interviews followed by three Delphi rounds. The experts (n = 16) involved were nurses, nursing managers and educators from nine Chinese provinces with a specific interest in psychological care. Descriptive statistics assisted in data analysis.

RESULTS

Using the Iceberg Model as a theoretical foundation, five main dimensions and associated subdomains were integrated from 39 chosen articles. The semi-structured interviews with 24 nursing managers and nurses confirmed all of the themes from the literature review while generating new themes, both of which were incorporated into the initial PCC framework. After three Delphi rounds, the experts reached consensus on the PCC framework, including five domains (knowledge, skills, professional ethics, personal traits, internal motivations) and 22 subdomains with connotations. The response rate (RR) values for the three rounds of consultation were 80.00%, 87.50% and 92.86%, the composite reliability (Cr) values were 0.89-0.90, and the Kendall coordination coefficients were 0.155-0.200 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of the Iceberg Model, literature review and qualitative research methods along with Delphi technique were used to develop a scientific and systematic PCC framework. The research methods were feasible and the results were reliable, thereby providing a basis for adopting this framework into nursing education. A formal assessment tool should be developed to test the PCC of nurses in clinical practice.

Experience of Care Among Adults With Acute Leukemia Near the End of Life: A Scoping Review

Background: Acute leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow with a high symptom burden and a high mortality rate in adults. The quality of end-of-life care among this patient population is deemed to be low based on health care administrative data, though the patient experience is not included in this evaluation. Objective: This scoping review aims at exploring and mapping the current research literature on the experience of care among adults with incurable acute leukemia near the end of life. Design: The JBI framework guided our scoping review, and the protocol was prospectively registered in the Open Science Forum. Results: A total of 5661 unique articles were screened for title and abstract, and 44 were selected for full text. After a manual search, five studies published in seven articles were selected for data extraction, including three qualitative and two quantitative studies. Two studies used family caregivers as patient proxies, two studies engaged patients directly, whereas one study obtained data from patients and family caregivers. Patient care in acute settings was reported in all studies, with most patients dying in acute care settings. Patients and family caregivers often valued an open and honest approach, with sufficient time for dialogue with their providers. Discussions about prognosis, palliative care, and hospice care were often late or incomplete. The medicalization of end-of-life care, including intensive care unit admissions and invasive medical procedures, were viewed as the norm by some providers, though perceived as distressing for both patients and their loved ones. Conclusions: Adults with acute leukemia face significant challenges in accessing high-quality end-of-life care brought about by the complex nature of their disease and its treatment. A systematic exploration of the end-of-life experience among these patients through direct patient engagement or by way of patient reporting proxies is needed.

Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for people with advanced cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIMS

To systematically review existing evidence and assess the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for people with advanced cancer.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

DATA SOURCES

Nine databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Database and Wanfang, were searched. The search covered the period between the inception of the selected databases and August 2022.

REVIEW METHODS

Two authors independently examined eligible studies and appraised the methodological quality of the included studies by applying the criteria suggested by the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care followed by data abstraction. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist was used to identify intervention characteristics. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to evaluate the certainty of evidence.

RESULTS

Eight studies, involving 488 people with advanced cancer, were included. The results showed significant effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on the improvement of quality of life and the alleviation of anxiety, depression, psychological distress and fatigue in people with advanced cancer. However, its effects in relieving psychological flexibility and pain were not statistically significant. The certainty of the evidence was low to moderate.

CONCLUSION

People with advanced cancer can benefit from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which is conducive to improving their health outcomes.

IMPACT

This review provides evidence about the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in people with advanced cancer. Further well-designed studies with larger sample sizes are required. This review may help nurses and researchers to design and implement Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in clinical practice, thereby improving health outcomes in this population.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021244568.

Factors influencing cancer survivors' experiences with follow-up cancer care: results from the pan-Canadian Experiences of Cancer Patients in Transition Study survey

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of individual and structural factors on cancer survivors' experiences with follow-up cancer care.

METHODS

In 2016, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer collected survey responses from cancer survivors about their experiences with follow-up cancer care. We included respondents from this survey if they were diagnosed with non-metastatic breast, hematologic, colon, melanoma, and prostate cancer. Our primary outcome was cancer survivors' self-reported overall experience with follow-up cancer care. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine the influence of individual and structural factors on cancer survivors' experiences with follow-up cancer care.

RESULTS

Of the 8402 cancer survivors included in our study, 81.8% (n = 6,875) reported a positive experience with their follow-up cancer care. The individual factors associated with positive overall experiences were more commonly those associated with self-perceptions of respondents' personal health and well-being rather than baseline sociodemographic factors, such as sex, income, or education. For example, respondents were more likely to report a positive experience if they perceived their quality of life as good (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.0-3.5, p < 0.01) or reported not having an unmet practical concern (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.6, p < 0.01). The structural factors most strongly associated with positive overall experiences included respondents perceiving their oncology specialist was in charge of their follow-up cancer care (OR 5.2, 95% CI 3.6-7.5, p < 0.01) and reporting the coordination of their follow-up cancer care among healthcare providers was good or very good (OR 8.4, 95% CI 6.7-10.6, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

While real-world experiences with follow-up cancer care in Canada are reported to be positive by most cancer survivors included in this study, we found differences exist based on individual and structural factors. A better understanding of the reasons for these differences is required to guide the provision of high-quality follow-up care that is adapted to the needs and resources of individuals and contexts.

The Effectiveness of Supportive Psychotherapy on the Anxiety and Depression Experienced by Patients Receiving Fiberoptic Bronchoscope

Objectives

As the largest cohort of healthcare workers and nurses can practice as psychotherapists to integrate the psychotherapeutic interventions as part of routine care. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of supportive psychotherapy (SPT) on patients who had been scheduled to undergo a fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) procedure.

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed 92 patients who underwent FOB, which was divided into the SPT group and usual-care group based on whether patients were given SPT interventions or not. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were used to determine the severity of depression and anxiety, as well as the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36) to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Moreover, the patients' satisfaction was assessed based on the Likert 5-Point Scale.

Results

The baseline status of anxiety, depression, and HRQoL in patients was similar in the SPT group and the usual-care group with no significant difference. Both PHQ-9 score and HADS-D score in the SPT group after intervention were lower than that in the usual-care group, accompanied by the deceased HADS-A subscale. Moreover, the improved HRQoL was found in the patients undergoing FOB after SPT interventions as compared to those receiving conventional nursing care using the SF-36 score. Additionally, the patient satisfaction in the SPT group was higher than in the usual-care group.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated that anxiety and depression, as negative emotions, can be reduced by supportive psychotherapy in patients receiving FOB with improved mental health and satisfaction with nursing care.