Tao, W.W., Jiang, P., Liu, Y., Aungsuroch, Y., & Tao, X.M. (2014). Psycho-oncologic interventions to reduce distress in cancer patients: A meta-analysis of controlled clinical studies published in People's Republic of China. Psycho-Oncology, 24, 269–278.
PHASE OF CARE: Multiple phases of care
Intervention types that were included in the meta-analysis were educational, psychological support, cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation training, music therapy, coping skills training, and communication skills training. The majority of studies incorporated two or more interventions together. Fifteen studies showed overall significant effects on anxiety (d = -8.71, p < .001). The combination of education and psychological support (d = -8.17, p = .04) or education combined with relaxation training (d = -12.95, p < .001) were effective in reducing anxiety. Large combined effects were seen on depression (d = -8.12, p < .001). No analysis of effects for specific intervention types was possible. In greater than 69% of studies, the interventions were performed by nurses.
The findings of this study support the effectiveness of psychoeducational interventions to reduce anxiety and depression in patients with cancer in China.
The studies included in this analysis had numerous flaws. The meta-analysis was primarily done across all types of interventions. Because most of the studies used combined interventions, the effectiveness of individual components could not be determined. The authors noted that the trials were carried out in Chinese regions where almost no negative studies are reported, so publication bias cannot be ruled out.
The findings of these studies support the effectiveness of psychoeducational interventions for anxiety and depression in patients with cancer. Although these findings were only in Chinese patients, they are in agreement with the bulk of overall evidence in this area. These results suggest that psychoeducational interventions are likely to have similar levels of effectiveness in various cultural groups.