Hoon, L.S., Chi Sally, C.W., & Hong-Gu, H. (2013). Effect of psychosocial interventions on outcomes of patients with colorectal cancer: A review of the literature. European Journal of Oncology, 17, 883–891.
DOI Link
Purpose
STUDY PURPOSE: To explore the effects of preoperative psychosocial interventions on the outcomes of patients with colorectal cancer, including measurements of physical, psychological, and social functioning, as well as quality of life
TYPE OF STUDY: Systematic review
Search Strategy
DATABASES USED: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, PsycINFO, Mednar, and Proquest
KEYWORDS: Psychosocial interventions for patients with colorectal cancer
INCLUSION CRITERIA: Research articles in peer-reviewed journals relevant to colorectal cancer with or without stoma formation in the adult population; articles related to any form of psychosocial intervention provided by healthcare professionals
EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Studies including pediatric patients and studies that involved patients with other forms of cancer
Literature Evaluated
TOTAL REFERENCES RETRIEVED: 413
EVALUATION METHOD AND COMMENTS ON LITERATURE USED: Seventeen papers were deemed potentially relevant based on an assessment of titles and abstracts. Seven studies were excluded because they included participants with forms of cancer other than colorectal.
Sample Characteristics
FINAL NUMBER STUDIES INCLUDED = 11
TOTAL PATIENTS INCLUDED IN REVIEW = About 300
KEY SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS: Colorectal cancer, psychosocial intervention
Phase of Care and Clinical Applications
PHASE OF CARE: Multiple phases of care
APPLICATIONS: Pediatrics, elder care, palliative care
Results
Various psychosocial interventions, including educational interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation training, and supportive group therapy, were found to reduce the length of patients’ hospital stays, decrease the number of days to proficiency in self-care for stoma, decrease levels hospital anxiety and depression, and increase quality of life.
Conclusions
Various forms of psychosocial interventions were used to improve outcomes, but no clear winner was found. All forms seemed to improve patient outcomes.
Limitations
- A limited number of studies met the inclusion criteria.
Nursing Implications
Any type of psychosocial intervention seems to be worthwhile as none of the studies described in this analysis hurt a patient. Nurses can therefore safely recommend a psychosocial intervention to patients with colorectal cancer. Identifying areas of nursing research going forward is important.
Legacy ID
4870
