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Hwang IY, Woo GU, Lee SY, Yoo SH, Kim KH, Kim MS, Shin J, Jeong HJ, Jang MS, Baek SK, Jung EH, Lee DW, Cho B. Home-based supportive care in advanced cancer: systematic review. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2024; 14:132-148. [PMID: 38160048 PMCID: PMC11103295 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study systematically reviewed the literature on the effect of home-based supportive care (HbSC) programmes on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with advanced cancer. METHODS The research question 'Do home-based supportive care programmes for patients with advanced cancer improve their QoL?' was addressed. After registering the plan with PROSPERO (CRD42022341237), literature published from 1 January 1990 to 30 May 2023 was searched on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane database, CINAHL and Web of Science, and reviewed for inclusion based on predefined criteria. This review only included trial studies published in English. RESULTS Of 5,276 articles identified, 17 studies were judged suitable for inclusion in this review. The components of HbSC programmes included home visits, patient and caregiver education, home nursing, psychotherapy, exercise, telephone consultation, and multidisciplinary team meetings. Nine studies reported improvements in QoL, including social functioning, emotional functioning, and subjective QoL. CONCLUSION HbSC programmes appear to enable the improvement of the QoL of patients with advanced cancer. The area of QoL that shows improvement could vary depending on the HbSC components. More studies that address HbSC programmes are needed to select patients at the proper time and provide suitable programmes for patients to benefit most.
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Affiliation(s)
- In Young Hwang
- Public Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Familly Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Go-Un Woo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dongguk University Medical Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Young Lee
- Public Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Human System Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin Hye Yoo
- Department of Human System Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Center for Palliative Care and Clinical Ethics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyae Hyung Kim
- Public Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Sun Kim
- Public Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongmi Shin
- Public Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jin Jeong
- Public Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Human System Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Seol Jang
- Public Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Kyung Baek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Hee Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Wook Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Inha University Hospital, Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Belong Cho
- Public Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Familly Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Human System Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Wrede N, Töpfer NF, Wilz G. Effects of general change mechanisms on outcome in telephone-based cognitive-behavioral therapy for distressed family caregivers. J Clin Psychol 2023; 79:2207-2224. [PMID: 37192433 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study investigated the influence of general change mechanisms (GCMs) on outcome in telephone-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for family caregivers. METHODS In a stepped-care intervention approach, highly distressed family caregivers received telephone-based CBT after completing a care counseling intervention. Sixty-six therapist-caregiver dyads rated emotional bond, agreement on collaboration, problem actuation, resource activation, clarification of meaning, and mastery after each of 12 therapy sessions. Outcomes were caregiver burden (SCQ-AV) and depression (CES-D) after therapy. Associations of GCMs with outcome were examined in multilevel regression models. RESULTS Caregiver burden was significantly predicted by caregiver-rated emotional bond (β = -0.18) as well as therapist-rated resource activation (β = -0.26), problem actuation (β = -0.22), clarification of meaning (β = -0.18), and mastery (β = -0.18). None of the GCMs predicted depression from any perspective. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that GCMs are relevant for reducing caregiver burden in CBT for family caregivers and should be fostered in treatment manuals, in particular therapist-rated GCMs. Since therapist and caregiver perspectives differed in predicting caregiver burden, future research should investigate perspective congruence and its effect on therapy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Wrede
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Intervention, Institute of Psychology, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Nils F Töpfer
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Intervention, Institute of Psychology, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Gabriele Wilz
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Intervention, Institute of Psychology, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
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Chow R, Mathews JJ, Cheng EY, Lo S, Wong J, Alam S, Hannon B, Rodin G, Nissim R, Hales S, Kavalieratos D, Quinn KL, Tomlinson G, Zimmermann C. Interventions to improve outcomes for caregivers of patients with advanced cancer: a meta-analysis. J Natl Cancer Inst 2023; 115:896-908. [PMID: 37279594 PMCID: PMC10407714 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djad075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer often have poor quality of life (QOL) and mental health. We examined the effectiveness of interventions offering support for caregivers of patients with advanced cancer on caregiver QOL and mental health outcomes. METHODS We searched Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases from inception through June 2021. Eligible studies reported on randomized controlled trials for adult caregivers of adult patients with advanced cancer. Meta-analysis was conducted for primary outcomes of QOL, physical well-being, mental well-being, anxiety, and depression, from baseline to follow-up of 1-3 months; secondary endpoints were these outcomes at 4-6 months and additional caregiver burden, self-efficacy, family functioning, and bereavement outcomes. Random effects models were used to generate summary standardized mean differences (SMD). RESULTS Of 12 193 references identified, 56 articles reporting on 49 trials involving 8554 caregivers were eligible for analysis; 16 (33%) targeted caregivers, 19 (39%) patient-caregiver dyads, and 14 (29%) patients and their families. At 1- to 3-month follow-up, interventions had a statistically significant effect on overall QOL (SMD = 0.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.10 to 0.39); I2 = 52.0%), mental well-being (SMD = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.02 to 0.25; I2 = 0.0%), anxiety (SMD = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.06 to 0.49; I2 = 74.0%), and depression (SMD = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.16 to 0.52; I2 = 64.4) compared with standard care. In narrative synthesis, interventions demonstrated improvements in caregiver self-efficacy and grief. CONCLUSIONS Interventions targeting caregivers, dyads, or patients and families led to improvements in caregiver QOL and mental health. These data support the routine provision of interventions to improve well-being in caregivers of patients with advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Chow
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jean J Mathews
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine and Department of Oncology, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Emily YiQin Cheng
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Samantha Lo
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Joanne Wong
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sorayya Alam
- Palliative Medicine, Sobell House, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Breffni Hannon
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gary Rodin
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Mental Health, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rinat Nissim
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Mental Health, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Hales
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Mental Health, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dio Kavalieratos
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kieran L Quinn
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, Sinai Health System, Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - George Tomlinson
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Camilla Zimmermann
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Nowels MA, Kalra S, Duberstein PR, Coakley E, Saraiya B, George L, Kozlov E. Palliative Care Interventions Effects on Psychological Distress: A Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 65:e691-e713. [PMID: 36764410 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Managing psychological distress is an objective of palliative care. No meta-analysis has evaluated whether palliative care reduces psychological distress. OBJECTIVES Examine the effects of palliative care on depression, anxiety, and general psychological distress for adults with life-limiting illnesses and their caregivers. DESIGN We searched PubMed, PsycInfo, Embase, and CINAHL for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of palliative care interventions. RCTs were included if they enrolled adults with life-limiting illnesses or their caregivers, reported data on psychological distress at 3 months after study intake, and if authors had described the intervention as "palliative care." RESULTS We identified 38 RCTs meeting our inclusion criteria. Many (14/38) included studies excluded participants with common mental health conditions. There were no statistically significant improvements in patient or caregiver anxiety (patient SMD: -0.008, P = 0.96; caregiver SMD: -0.21, P = 0.79), depression (patient SMD: -0.13, P = 0.25; caregiver SMD -0.27, P = 0.08), or psychological distress (patient SMD: 0.26, P = 0.59; caregiver SMD: 0.04, P = 0.78). CONCLUSIONS Psychological distress is not likely to be reduced in the context of a typical palliative care intervention. The systemic exclusion of patients with common mental health conditions in more than 1/3 of the studies raises ethical questions about the goals of palliative care RCTS and could perpetuate inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly A Nowels
- Department of Health Behavior, Society, and Policy (M.A.N., S.K., P.R.D., E.C., E.K.), Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Center for Health Services Research (M.A.N.), Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA.
| | - Saurabh Kalra
- Department of Health Behavior, Society, and Policy (M.A.N., S.K., P.R.D., E.C., E.K.), Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Paul R Duberstein
- Department of Health Behavior, Society, and Policy (M.A.N., S.K., P.R.D., E.C., E.K.), Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Emily Coakley
- Department of Health Behavior, Society, and Policy (M.A.N., S.K., P.R.D., E.C., E.K.), Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Biren Saraiya
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (B.S.), New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Login George
- Rutgers School of Nursing (L.G.), New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Elissa Kozlov
- Department of Health Behavior, Society, and Policy (M.A.N., S.K., P.R.D., E.C., E.K.), Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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Ingle MP, Check D, Slack DH, Cross SH, Ernecoff NC, Matlock DD, Kavalieratos D. Use of Theoretical Frameworks in the Development and Testing of Palliative Care Interventions. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 63:e271-e280. [PMID: 34756957 PMCID: PMC8854360 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Palliative care (PC) research has grown over the last 20 years. Yet, the causal components and pathways of PC interventions remain unclear. OBJECTIVES To document the prevalence and application of theoretical frameworks in developing and testing PC interventions. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of previously published systematic reviews of PC randomized clinical trials. Trials were evaluated for explicit mention of a theoretical framework, process or delivery model, or clinical practice guideline that supported the development of the intervention. We used a structured data extraction form to document study population, outcomes, and whether and how authors used a theoretical framework, process/delivery model, or clinical practice guideline. We applied an adapted coding scheme to evaluate use of theoretical frameworks. RESULTS We reviewed 85 PC trials conducted between 1984 and 2021. Thirty-eight percent (n = 32) of trials explicitly mentioned a theoretical framework, process or delivery model, or clinical practice guideline as a foundation for the intervention design. Only nine trials included a theoretical framework, while the remaining 23 cited a process/delivery model or clinical practice guideline. CONCLUSION Most PC trials do not cite a theoretical foundation for their intervention design. Future work should focus on developing and validating new theoretical frameworks and modifying existing theories and models to better explain the mechanisms of the variety of PC interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Pilar Ingle
- Graduate School of Social Work (M.P.I.), University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Devon Check
- Department of Population Health Sciences (D.C.), Duke University School of Medicine and Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Daniel Hogan Slack
- Department of Internal Medicine (D.H.S.), University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California, USA
| | - Sarah H Cross
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine (S.H.C., D.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Natalie C Ernecoff
- Division of General Internal Medicine (N.C.E.), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel D Matlock
- Division of Geriatrics (D.D.M.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA; VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (D.D.M.), Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Dio Kavalieratos
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine (S.H.C., D.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Department of Epidemiology (D.K.), Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
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Song L, Qan'ir Y, Guan T, Guo P, Xu S, Jung A, Idiagbonya E, Song F, Kent EE. The Challenges of Enrollment and Retention: A Systematic Review of Psychosocial Behavioral Interventions for Patients With Cancer and Their Family Caregivers. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 62:e279-e304. [PMID: 33933618 PMCID: PMC8419067 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Psychosocial behavioral interventions (PBIs) that target patients with cancer and their caregivers face challenges in participant enrollment and retention. OBJECTIVES 1) Describe characteristics of the patient-caregiver PBI studies; 2) examine participant enrollment and retention rates; 3) identify factors influencing participant enrollment and retention rates; and 4) explore the strategies to promote enrollment and retention rates. METHODS We identified randomized controlled trials that tested PBIs among adult patients with cancer and caregivers in five electronic databases. We conducted narrative and quantitative analyses to synthesize our findings. RESULTS Among 55 qualified studies reviewed, most tested the efficacy of PBIs (n = 42) and used two study arms (n = 48). In-person meeting was the most common PBI delivery mode. The primary outcomes included quality of life, physical health, and symptoms. The average of enrollment rates of patient-caregiver dyads was 33% across studies (range 8%-100%; median = 23%). The average retention rate at the end of follow-ups was 69% (range 16%-100%; median = 70%). The number of study arms, recruitment method, type of patient-caregiver relationship, and intervention duration influenced enrollment rates. Study design (efficacy vs. pilot), follow-up duration, mode of delivery, type of relationship, and intervention duration influenced retention rates. Sixteen studies reported retention strategies, including providing money/gift cards upon study completion and/or after follow-up survey, and excluding patients with advanced cancer. CONCLUSION Researchers need to incorporate effective strategies to optimize enrollment and retention in patient-caregiver PBI trials. Researchers need to report detailed study processes and PBI information to improve research transparency and increase consistency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixin Song
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Nursing, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
| | - Yousef Qan'ir
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Nursing, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ting Guan
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Social Work, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Peiran Guo
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Nursing, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Shenmeng Xu
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Nursing, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ahrang Jung
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Nursing, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Eno Idiagbonya
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Nursing, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Fengyu Song
- West Coast University, General Education, Anaheim, California, USA
| | - Erin Elizabeth Kent
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Caring for people who take care: What is already done? Palliat Support Care 2021; 20:720-730. [DOI: 10.1017/s147895152100119x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
The growing prevalence and impact of cancer on the family system calls for a palliative care approach with the family as the unit of care. This study aimed at providing an overview of the intervention programs that have been developed to offer support to the family caregivers of oncologic patients receiving palliative care.
Method
Sixteen articles were included in the final review, encompassing (i) studies focused on intervention programs with family caregivers of cancer patients in palliative care, (ii) studies including a pre- and post-test evaluation of the intervention program, (iii) and studies whose cancer patients were at least 18 years old.
Results
A great heterogeneity was verified with respect to care settings, number of sessions, outcome measures, or timing of assessment within the reviewed programs. These findings mirrored the complexity of the palliative care approach, which is difficult to standardize. Nonetheless, some interventions with different features accomplished good and sometimes similar results. The studies’ main outcomes were clustered in five categories: psychological symptomatology, general quality of life, caregiving role, family relational variables, and bereavement/grief. Moreover, 44% of the main outcomes were psychological symptomatology of family caregivers, with an emphasis toward anxiety and depression. Also shown was a growing emergence of technology use among these interventions.
Significance of results
Results revealed a scarcity of family-oriented programs and lack of certified mental health professionals as interventionists. Future studies and interventions should focus on the positive outcomes of the caregiving experience and must acknowledge the cultural differences when trying to replicate programs. Considering that there is no precise formula for dealing with terminal illness and grief, we submit that family-centered and systemic lenses are excellent approaches for support during this adjustment process. In conclusion, the present study advocates for increased investment in the field, underscoring the importance of family caregivers’ mental health.
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Effects of psychosocial interventions on psychological outcomes among caregivers of advanced cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Support Care Cancer 2021; 29:7237-7248. [PMID: 34240256 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06102-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This systematic review aimed to synthesize the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions on caregivers of advanced cancer patients, in comparison with usual care, on caregivers' quality of life (QoL), anxiety, and depression symptoms. METHODS Comprehensive searches for published and unpublished studies were performed using nine electronic databases, two trial registers, and reference lists of included studies. Two reviewers independently screened, appraised, and extracted data. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to appraise the methodological quality of included studies, while the Cochrane data extraction tool was used to elicit relevant information. Meta-analysis, narrative analysis, and sensitivity analysis were conducted to synthesize data. Standardized mean differences (SMD) represented effects of psychosocial interventions. RESULTS Fifteen randomized controlled trials were included in this review. At post-intervention, findings revealed a significant small pooled effect size (SMD = 0.45) on QoL and significant moderate effect on depression (SMD = - 0.65). However, a small non-significant pooled effect size was observed on anxiety (SMD = - 0.24). At follow-up assessments, effect sizes of all outcomes were small and non-significant. Overall quality of evidence was rated very low for all outcomes and most studies had unclear or high risk of bias. Thus, results should be interpreted with caution. CONCLUSION Psychosocial interventions were effective in improving QoL and depression among caregivers of persons with advanced cancer. However, future randomized control trials with lower risk of bias, larger sample size, detailed participant characteristics, and informative interventions are desirable.
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