Characteristics and methodological quality of 25 years of research investigating psychosocial interventions for cancer patients

Abstract

The considerable amount of research examining psychosocial interventions for cancer patients makes it important to examine its scope and methodological quality. This comprehensive overview characterizes the field with as few exclusions as possible. A systematic search strategy identified 673 reports comprising 488 unique projects conducted over a 25-year time span. Although the literature on this topic has grown over time, the research was predominantly conducted in the United States (57.0%), largely with breast cancer patients (included in 70.5% of the studies). The intervention approach used most frequently was cognitive behavioral (32.4%), the treatment goal was often improving quality of life generally (69.5%), and the professionals delivering the interventions were typically nurses (29.1%) or psychologists (22.7%). Overall, there was some discrepancy between the types of interventions studied and the types of supportive services available to and sought by cancer patients. Strengths of this research include using randomized designs (62.9%), testing for baseline group equivalence (84.5%), and monitoring treatment, which rose significantly from being used in 48.1% to 64.4% of projects over time. However, deficiencies in such areas as examining treatment mechanisms and the adequacy of reporting of methodology, essential for useful syntheses of research on these interventions, remain to be addressed. Methodological challenges related to the complexity of this applied research, such as participants seeking treatment outside of research, contamination, and reactions to randomization, also were apparent. Future research could benefit from closer interactions between academic and voluntary sectors and expanding the diversity of participants. Key termscancer; psychosocial; intervention; treatment; quality of life Publisher's Disclaimer: This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final citable form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain. NIH Public Access Author ManuscriptCancer Treat Rev. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2010 August 1. Interventions for Cancer PatientsAt most recent report, more than 11 million Americans were living with cancer. 1 Cancer's diagnosis, treatment, and aftermath present challenges that can contribute to psychological morbidity and can compromise quality of life. Diagnosis involves many stressors and can provoke worries about functioning, social value, finances, burden on one's family, and death. 2,3 Cancer treatments produce side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, and changes in appearance and functioning that can be difficult to cope with. [4][5][6][7] After treatment is complete, stressors involve continued med...

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