TY - JOUR
T1 - What can we learn from the evidence of psychosocial support for carers of people with cancer and how do we advance our efforts?
T2 - A meta-review study
AU - Nic Giolla Easpaig, Brona
AU - Newman, Bronwyn
AU - Johnson, Judith
AU - Laidsaar-Powell, Rebekah
AU - Sansom-Daly, Ursula M.
AU - Jones, Lucy
AU - Hofstätter, Lukas
AU - Robertson, Eden G.
AU - Mears, Stephen
AU - Sattarshetty, Kabir
AU - Houweling, Rachel E.
AU - Edge, Rhiannon
AU - Cummings, Joanne
AU - Harrison, Reema
PY - 2025/5/16
Y1 - 2025/5/16
N2 - Purpose: Literature concerning programmes to support the well-being of carers of cancer survivors is vast, complex, and difficult to navigate, posing difficulties for identifying and translating relevant evidence. This study will advance the field by mapping and synthesising reviews to address the question: "What psychosocial interventions are available to promote the well-being of carers for people diagnosed with cancer, as reported in the evidence from reviews?".Methods: A meta-review was conducted of reviews published between 2013 and 2024. PsycINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews databases and relevant reference lists were searched for eligible reviews. Records were screened and assessed in accordance with the method with data from included reviews extracted and synthesised. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guided reporting. Reviews were appraised using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic Reviews and Research Syntheses.Results: Ultimately, 54 reviews met the inclusion criteria. This evidence was mapped regarding populations, interventions, and outcomes, including depression, anxiety, quality of life, and distress. On average, reviews addressed nine of 11 quality checklist items. Insights were gained concerning the role of theory, carer populations, and intervention characteristics.Conclusion: Key features of the body of evidence were identified that can hinder progress and which point to ways forward. It is concluded that a recalibrated carer research agenda is needed, one that is designed to synthesise evidence concerning what works, for which carers to achieve what outcomes, or to address which kinds of psychosocial support needs.Implications for Cancer Survivors: Despite the need to ensure that carers have access to programs that support their wellbeing as they care for their loved ones, the evidence to guide program development is complex and difficult to navigate. A refocusing of research efforts is needed to advance understanding of what is most effective for carers, and how this can be translated into clinical practice.
AB - Purpose: Literature concerning programmes to support the well-being of carers of cancer survivors is vast, complex, and difficult to navigate, posing difficulties for identifying and translating relevant evidence. This study will advance the field by mapping and synthesising reviews to address the question: "What psychosocial interventions are available to promote the well-being of carers for people diagnosed with cancer, as reported in the evidence from reviews?".Methods: A meta-review was conducted of reviews published between 2013 and 2024. PsycINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews databases and relevant reference lists were searched for eligible reviews. Records were screened and assessed in accordance with the method with data from included reviews extracted and synthesised. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guided reporting. Reviews were appraised using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic Reviews and Research Syntheses.Results: Ultimately, 54 reviews met the inclusion criteria. This evidence was mapped regarding populations, interventions, and outcomes, including depression, anxiety, quality of life, and distress. On average, reviews addressed nine of 11 quality checklist items. Insights were gained concerning the role of theory, carer populations, and intervention characteristics.Conclusion: Key features of the body of evidence were identified that can hinder progress and which point to ways forward. It is concluded that a recalibrated carer research agenda is needed, one that is designed to synthesise evidence concerning what works, for which carers to achieve what outcomes, or to address which kinds of psychosocial support needs.Implications for Cancer Survivors: Despite the need to ensure that carers have access to programs that support their wellbeing as they care for their loved ones, the evidence to guide program development is complex and difficult to navigate. A refocusing of research efforts is needed to advance understanding of what is most effective for carers, and how this can be translated into clinical practice.
KW - Psychosocial intervention
KW - Cancer
KW - Carer
KW - Caregiver
KW - Support
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=105005113376&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s11764-025-01802-8
DO - 10.1007/s11764-025-01802-8
M3 - Review article
C2 - 40380043
SN - 1932-2259
JO - Journal of Cancer Survivorship
JF - Journal of Cancer Survivorship
M1 - e11863
ER -