Post-treatment health interventions for adult cancer survivors and their family: An integrated review

Abstract

Purpose: This review aimed to aggregate existing literature regarding post-treatment health interventions combined for adult cancer survivors and their families. Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted including quantitative and qualitative studies. The search was carried out in eight databases using the same terms or MESH terms and inclusion of dates from January 2012 to February 2024. After quality assessment, data were extracted and synthesized. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO. Results: Among the seven studies included, two studies were randomised controlled trials, three were observational and two utilized a qualitative approach. The studies originated from France, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. In total, 704 participants were included, of which 294 were cancer survivors, 40 were non-cancer patients, 271 were family and caregivers, and 99 were healthcare professionals. The studies assessed survival durations post-cancer treatment, ranging from 18 months to 6 years. The sparse interventions employed across the studies displayed a multi-faceted approach tailored to address various aspects of cancer survivorship and caregiver support. Conclusion: This review provides insights into the complex landscape of post-treatment support requirements for both cancer survivors and their family caregivers. It underscores the critical necessity for more intervention research in comprehensive, accessible, and support services that address the multifaceted dimensions of survivorship for the patient and family as a unit.