Chan, R.J., Webster, J., & Marquart, L. (2011). Information interventions for orienting patients and their carers to cancer care facilities. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 12, CD008273.
To assess effects of interventions that orient patients and carers to a cancer care facility and to the services provided
Initial searching identified 14,319 records. Investigators assessed 21 full-text articles for eligibility, and the systemaic review included a sample of four. Two studies were included in meta-analysis. Study quality was assessed using guidelines in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.
Effects of Interventions
This review shows that orientation programs may reduce distress in patients with cancer at the beginning of their involvement with a cancer care facility, but the quality of the evidence is low. Orientation programs may have some effect on general distress and symptoms of depression; however, findings do not show significant effects on anxiety.
These findings are limited by the small number of trials included, low quality of studies, and high heterogeneity found related to some outcomes.
Orientation of the patient, the patient's family, and those who care for the patient may help to reduce a patient's symptoms of depression and level of distress; however, this study does not reveal strong support for these outcomes. The most effective format and timing of orientation approaches are unclear.