RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Psychosocial interventions and health-related quality of life in adults with incurable cancer: systematic review
JF BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care
JO BMJ Support Palliat Care
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP spcare-2024-005043
DO 10.1136/spcare-2024-005043
A1 Mikkonen, Heli
A1 Hökkä, Minna
A1 Saarto, Tiina
A1 Stenberg, Jan-Henry
A1 Junttila, Kristiina
YR 2025
UL http://spcare.bmj.com/content/early/2025/05/16/spcare-2024-005043.abstract
AB Objectives This study aimed to assess the effects of psychosocial interventions in improving health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adult patients with incurable cancer.Methods A systematic search was performed in the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus and Medic databases to identify randomised controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies and cohort studies from 2004 to March 2024 aiming to influence HRQoL or psychosocial well-being.Results The systematic search yielded 635 articles. After the removal of duplicates, screening of titles and abstracts, assessment of eligibility and screening of the reference list of included studies, 17 studies were included in the review, and a narrative synthesis was conducted. The delivery of psychosocial interventions varied considerably. They were most often structured, individual, performed in person or remotely, and applied multiple combined methods. Professionals delivering the intervention most often had a background in psychology, nursing or social work. The most frequent outcomes were quality of life, depression and anxiety, measured using multiple different tools. Of the studies, 35% reported significant sustainable improvements. The results favoured individual intervention and the multiple-method approach.Conclusions The interventions presented as psychosocial interventions have their own characteristics and nature, but evidence of their efficacy is limited. There is an apparent need for research and discussion regarding the definitions, differences and relationships between psychosocial, psychological, social and spiritual interventions in cancer care.All data relevant to the study are included in the article or uploaded as supplementary information.