Supporting Carers: Study Protocol of a Meta-Review of Psychosocial Interventions for Carers of People With Cancer

Abstract

BackgroundWhile there is a clear need for psychosocial interventions that promote the well-being of carers of patients with cancer, the corresponding evidence base is disparate, complex, and difficult for end users to navigate and interpret. Carers remain undersupported with a lack of dedicated, effective, evidence-based programs. We will conduct a meta-review to synthesize this evidence and determine the state of science in this field. ObjectiveThis study aims to address the question, “what psychosocial interventions are available to promote the well-being of carers for people with cancer?” MethodsA meta-review will synthesize the relevant reviews of psychosocial interventions that have been developed and evaluated with carers for people with cancer. A total of 4 electronic databases (PsycInfo, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) will be searched for reviews published between January 2013 and December 2023. A team-based approach will be taken for screening and assessment of the returned records against the eligibility criteria to determine inclusion. Included reviews will be critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic Reviews and Research Syntheses. Relevant data on study characteristics, carer and patient populations, intervention details, and psychosocial outcomes will be extracted, synthesized, and the findings will be presented in a narrative format. ResultsIt is anticipated that the study will be completed by October 2024. ConclusionsEnsuring that carers have access to evidence-based programs that promote their well-being as they care for loved ones is critical. This meta-review will contribute to program development and translation efforts by providing a clear picture of the intervention evidence base of carers of patients with cancer and identifying notable strengths, weaknesses, and gaps across the literature. The findings are anticipated to offer future directions to advance research in the field. Trial RegistrationPROSPERO (CRD42023403219); https://tinyurl.com/4tnzv49s International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/56403