A systematic review: the effects of orientation programs for cancer patients and their family/carers

Chan, Raymond Javan, Webster, Joan and Marquart, Louise (2012) A systematic review: the effects of orientation programs for cancer patients and their family/carers. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 49 12: 1558-1567.


Author Chan, Raymond Javan
Webster, Joan
Marquart, Louise
Title A systematic review: the effects of orientation programs for cancer patients and their family/carers
Journal name International Journal of Nursing Studies  (ERA 2012 Listed)    (ERA 2010 Rank A*)   Check publisher's open access policy
Publication date 2012
Sub-type Review of research - research literature review (NOT book review
DOI 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2012.03.002
Volume number 49
Issue number 12
ISSN 0020-7489; 1873-491X
Start page 1558
End page 1567
Total pages 10
Place of publication Bromley, United Kingdom
Publisher Elsevier
Collection year 2013
Language eng
Formatted abstract Objectives: To assess the effects of information interventions which orient patients and their carers/family to a cancer care facility and the services available within the facility.

Design: Systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cluster RCTs and quasi-RCTs.

Data sources: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.

Methods: We included studies evaluating the effect of an orientation intervention, compared with a control group which received usual care, or with trials comparing one orientation intervention with another orientation intervention.

Results: Four RCTs of 610 participants met the criteria for inclusion. Findings from two RCTs demonstrated significant benefits of the orientation intervention in relation to reduced levels of distress (mean difference (MD): −8.96, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): −11.79 to −6.13), but non-significant benefits in relation to the levels state anxiety levels (MD −9.77) (95%CI: −24.96 to 5.41). There are insufficient data on the other outcomes of interest.

Conclusions: This review has demonstrated the feasibility and some potential benefits of orientation interventions. There was a low level of evidence to suggest that orientation interventions can reduce distress in patients. However, other outcomes, including patient knowledge recall/satisfaction, remain inconclusive. The majority of trials were subjected to high risk of bias and were likely to be insufficiently powered. Further well conducted and powered RCTs are required to provide evidence for determining the most appropriate intensity, nature, mode and resources for such interventions. Patient and carer-focused outcomes should be included.
Keyword Cancer patients
Cancer care services
Carers
Family
Q-Index Code C1
Q-Index Status Confirmed Code
Institutional Status UQ

Document type: Journal Article
Sub-type: Review of research - research literature review (NOT book review
Collections: Official 2013 Collection
School of Nursing and Midwifery Publications
 
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Created: Sat, 28 Apr 2012, 00:28:15 EST by Dr Raymond Chan on behalf of School of Nursing and Midwifery