Self-management education interventions for patients with cancer: a systematic review

Abstract

Defining the core components of cancer self-management education and the fundamental elements for inclusion in supporting effective self-management will be critical to ensure consistent and effective provision of self-management support in the cancer system.

Impact of Pain and Evaluation of Education and Self-Care in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer

“…No statistically significant differences in anxiety and depression were reported among patients with cancer treated on an outpatient basis who received patient education [220]. However, systematic reviews have reported positive trends resulting from patient education concerning anxiety, depression and QoL among patients with cancer [99,108]. In line with earlier research, [13,14,98,101] patients in Paper IV reported good HR-QoL when RT began.…”

“…Several systematic review articles conclude that educating cancer patients about pain has been proven effective in helping to reduce pain intensity and pain interference [96][97][98][99][100][101][102][103]. However, other studies have found that educational initiatives for patients with cancer have not been effective for pain management [104,105].…”

“…Because of the heterogeneity of the studies, however, it is currently difficult to understand what interventions have an adequate effect on cancer patients regarding pain, psychological mood and QoL [96,97,99]. The educational principles may include customised education, coaching including communication between healthcare professionals and patients, coaching regarding patient empowerment and advice regarding on SC [96,107].…”

“…Patient education has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and to improve QoL among cancer patients [99,108]. Moreover, patient education that underscores the importance of exercise and relaxation has been shown to improve sleep disturbances among patients with cancer [109].…”

“…In our study the TRN was instructed about the importance of this procedure. In an effort to improve outcome, the points below could be structured to be applied when customising similar patient interventions in future studies [99,103]. In Paper IV, interventions were carried out in accordance with points 1-6 above, but with only modest effect on pain and other symptoms.…”