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Review
. 2022;12(1):78-87.
doi: 10.1007/s40140-021-00505-x. Epub 2022 Jan 31.

Psychological Interventions Prior to Cancer Surgery: a Review of Reviews

Chloe Grimmett  1 , Nicole Heneka  2 , Suzanne Chambers  3
Affiliations
Review

Psychological Interventions Prior to Cancer Surgery: a Review of Reviews

Chloe Grimmett et al. Curr Anesthesiol Rep. 2022.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Patients with cancer who have high levels of psychological distress have poor treatment compliance and worse outcomes. This "review of reviews" provides a narrative synthesis of the impact of psychological prehabilitation interventions on individuals awaiting cancer surgery.

Recent findings: Twenty reviews of prehabilitation with psychological interventions were identified. There is a trend towards improved psychological outcomes following intervention, particularly when psychologist-led. However, there was considerable heterogeneity within interventions, outcome measures, and timing of assessment precluding numeric synthesis. Methodological limitations including non-blinding, absence of stratification, and underpowered studies were also pervasive.

Summary: Providing psychological support early in the cancer pathway and prior to surgery has the potential to improve psychological health and outcomes. The application of existing knowledge in psycho-oncology, including distress screening, is needed in the prehabilitation setting. Consistent outcome assessments, accurate reporting of intervention components and delivery methods, and a consideration of effective systems and economical implementation strategies would facilitate advancements in this field.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40140-021-00505-x.

Keywords: Cancer; Distress; Health-related quality of life; Prehabilitation; Psycho-oncology; Psychology.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of InterestThe authors do not have any potential conflicts of interest to disclose.

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