Systematic review of illness uncertainty management interventions for cancer patients and their family caregivers

Abstract

Purpose Illness uncertainty pervades individuals’ experiences of cancer across the illness trajectory and is associated with poor psychological adjustment. This review systematically examined the characteristics and outcomes of interventions promoting illness uncertainty management among cancer patients and/or their family caregivers. Methods PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were systematically searched for relevant literature. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies focusing on interventions for uncertainty management in cancer patients and/or their family caregivers. Results Our database searches yielded 26 studies. Twenty interventions were only offered to cancer patients, who were mostly elder, female, and White. All interventions included informational support. Other intervention components included emotional support, appraisal support, and instrumental support. Most interventions were delivered in person and via telephone (n = 8) or exclusively in person (n = 7). Overall, 18 studies identified positive intervention effects on illness uncertainty outcomes. Conclusion This systematic review foregrounds the promising potential of several interventions—and especially multi-component interventions—to promote uncertainty management among cancer patients and their family caregivers. To further improve these interventions’ effectiveness and expand their potential impact, future uncertainty management interventions should be tested among more diverse populations using rigorous methodologies.

The impact of COVID-19 on cancer patients, their carers and oncology health professionals: A qualitative study

“…HPs described a sense of kinship with their patients over these shared uncertainties. Uncertainty interventions, such as those developed for patients struggling with fear of cancer recurrence, [33] may be helpful for many in the cancer community at this time.…”

Illness uncertainty, self‐perceived burden and quality of life in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia: A cross‐sectional study

“…In addition, some uncertainty interventions included coping skills training to help patients manage their responses to uncertainty, such as cognitive‐behavioural strategies, cognitive reframing and problem‐solving skills (Zhang, Kwekkeboom, Kim, Loring, & Wieben, 2020). Multi‐component interventions such as the intervention consisting of both information support and emotional support appeared to be more effective in reducing illness uncertainty (Guan et al, 2021).…”

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