Abstract
Background: Oesophago-gastric cancer is an aggressive disease with a high rate of recurrence and mortality across the disease trajectory. Reduced psychosocial functioning has been evidenced amongst those with advanced disease, however little is known about the contributing factors. Determining these factors is an important clinical consideration to inform assessment and intervention. This review aimed to synthesise the available evidence on the psychosocial functioning of individuals with advanced oesophago-gastric cancer and their carers. Methods: A JBI mixed-methods systematic review. Four bibliographic databases, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL, were searched. Quantitative and qualitative studies were screened for inclusion and critically appraised for methodological quality. Both types of data were extracted using JBI tools for mixed-methods systematic reviews. A convergent segregated approach to synthesis and integration was used. The findings of the synthesis have been configured according to JBI methodology. Results: A total of 12 studies were included in this review, including 6 quantitative studies and 6 qualitative studies. The quantitative results provide preliminary indication of several physical, biological, psychological and macro-level contextual factors associated with psychosocial functioning in this clinical population. The qualitative findings shed light on a range of physical, psychosocial, and existential challenges faced by advanced oesophago-gastric cancer patients. These multiple and often persistent challenges appear to cause considerable distress; however, patients describe the importance of maintaining a sense of normality and control over their illness and its effects. Patients value continuity and structure, however many report shortcomings when accessing care. No findings reporting the experiences from the perspective of carers were found, therefore all findings represent the perspective of the patient. Conclusions: Further high-quality research is needed to understand how best to support and manage the palliative care needs of individuals living with advanced oesophago-gastric cancer. Implications for practice are discussed, suggesting that psychosocial interventions, complex symptom management and continuity of care could improve the psychosocial functioning of individuals in this setting. Pre-registration: The systematic review was pre-registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42020181273) and the protocol can be viewed on the OSF (http://osf.io/exuzf).
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 164 |
| Number of pages | 15 |
| Journal | BMC Palliative Care |
| Volume | 22 |
| Early online date | 28 Oct 2023 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 2023 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The authors are grateful to the Scottish Centre for Evidence-Based Multi-professional Practice: A Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence for providing comprehensive training on conducting a JBI review, and to Prof Kay Cooper in particular, who provided invaluable support throughout the review process.
Funding Information:
Cara Ghiglieri (Ph.D. Student) is supported by the Department for Economy (DfE)
Keywords
- Gastric Cancer
- Health-Related Quality of Life
- Oesophageal Cancer
- Oesophago-Gastric Cancer
- Palliative Care
- Psychosocial functioning
Access to Document
- Ghiglieri_etal_BMCPC_Psychosocial_Functioning_in_VOR
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