Impact of family-centered care interventions on parental related outcomes among parents of children with cancer: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background Family-centered care (FCC) is a globally accepted health care delivery system characterized by collaboration among the parents, by facilitating family participation, effective communication and respect/dignity care. The implementation of FCC in different settings employed various implementation strategies based on what works best for a specific context. Aim To identify key-components of FCC implemented among parents of children with cancer and evaluate the effects of FCC on parental-related outcomes. Method A systematic review was conducted in adherence to the standardized reporting format: PRISMA 2020 statement an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. We searched six data bases i.e., Cochrane library, Web of science, PubMed, Ovidweb, CINAHL and PsycINFO for studies published from establishment of each database to May 29, 2023. Studies evaluating the effectiveness of FCC among parents of children with cancer were included. Data were extracted using a pretested data extraction tool and analyzed using thematic qualitative analysis. Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess risk of bias in the studies included. Result The search identified 1,710 interventional studies of which 16 met our criteria and were at the end included in the systematic review. Ten of the studies were non-randomized clinical trials, four were randomized trials and two were qualitative studies. The review identified three themes for components of FCC in pediatric oncology setting. These are providing Information/education, family preparation, support and empowerment and facilitating communication. In relation to its effect on parental outcomes, it is found that FCC interventions will help to improve psycho-social condition of parents, communication of parents with other family members and health care professionals and improved their understanding about childhood cancer. Conclusion Three areas i.e., information sharing, communication and empowerment of FCC, were implemented in pediatric oncology setting and all studies reported positive effect of FCC interventions on parental outcomes. The findings indicated that FCC concepts among parents of children with cancer are still in the development process and remain to be fully characterized. Future researches need to aim at achieving a consensus on clear definitions and elements of FCC and designing more comprehensive interventions. Registration: Registered in PROSPERO with registration number of CRD42022384890