Psychosocial interventions aimed at family members caring for patients with cancer in the palliative period: A systematic review

Abstract

AbstractAimThe purpose of this systematic review is to examine evidence‐based psychosocial intervention research aimed at family members caring for patients with cancer in the palliative period.MethodIn this systematic review, randomized controlled psychosocial intervention studies for the family member caring for patients with cancer published between January 1, 2016 and July 30, 2021 were reviewed. PubMed (including MEDLINE), Cochrane, APA PsycNet, ProQuest, Science Direct, TR Index, and Wiley Online Library databases were scanned. Eight publications were identified following a database review for English language articles published from 2016 to 2021. Sample, methods, content, and outcomes of included interventions are summarized.ResultsOnly eight of the 4652 articles examined met the inclusion criteria. Psychosocial interventions such as mindfulness exercises, stress management, acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral intervention, and meaning‐centered psychotherapy for cancer caregivers were applied for relatives caring for patients with cancer in the palliative period.ConclusionPsychosocial interventions applied to family members caring for patients with cancer during the palliative period lead to improvements in depressive symptoms, stress levels, the caregiver burden, quality of life, self‐efficacy, coping skills, and awareness levels.