Review

. 2025 May 16.

doi: 10.1007/s11764-025-01802-8. Online ahead of print.

What can we learn from the evidence of psychosocial support for carers of people with cancer and how do we advance our efforts? A meta-review study

Brona Nic Giolla Easpaig^{1

2}, Bronwyn Newman³, Judith Johnson^{4

5}, Rebekah Laidsaar-Powell⁶, Ursula M Sansom-Daly^{7

8

9}, Lucy Jones¹⁰, Lukas Hofstätter¹¹, Eden G Robertson^{7

12}, Stephen Mears³, Kabir Sattarshetty¹³, Rachel E Houweling⁷, Rhiannon Edge¹², Joanne Cummings^{12

14}, Reema Harrison³

Affiliations

¹ School of Nursing, Charles Darwin University, Sydney, Australia. b.nicgiollaeaspaig@cdu.edu.au.
² Australian Institute for Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. b.nicgiollaeaspaig@cdu.edu.au.
³ Australian Institute for Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
⁴ Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
⁵ School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
⁶ Psycho-Oncology Co-Operative Group (PoCoG), School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
⁷ School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Paediatrics & Child Health, UNSW Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
⁸ Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children'S Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
⁹ Sydney Youth Cancer Service, Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
¹⁰ Neuroblastoma Australia, Sydney, Australia.
¹¹ Carers New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
¹² Redkite, Sydney, Australia.
¹³ School of Nursing, Charles Darwin University, Sydney, Australia.
¹⁴ Community First Step, Sydney, Australia.

PMID: 40380043
DOI: 10.1007/s11764-025-01802-8

Review

What can we learn from the evidence of psychosocial support for carers of people with cancer and how do we advance our efforts? A meta-review study

Brona Nic Giolla Easpaig et al. J Cancer Surviv. 2025.

. 2025 May 16.

doi: 10.1007/s11764-025-01802-8. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ School of Nursing, Charles Darwin University, Sydney, Australia. b.nicgiollaeaspaig@cdu.edu.au.
² Australian Institute for Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. b.nicgiollaeaspaig@cdu.edu.au.
³ Australian Institute for Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
⁴ Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
⁵ School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
⁶ Psycho-Oncology Co-Operative Group (PoCoG), School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
⁷ School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Paediatrics & Child Health, UNSW Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
⁸ Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children'S Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
⁹ Sydney Youth Cancer Service, Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
¹⁰ Neuroblastoma Australia, Sydney, Australia.
¹¹ Carers New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
¹² Redkite, Sydney, Australia.
¹³ School of Nursing, Charles Darwin University, Sydney, Australia.
¹⁴ Community First Step, Sydney, Australia.

PMID: 40380043
DOI: 10.1007/s11764-025-01802-8

Abstract

Purpose: Literature concerning programmes to support the well-being of carers of cancer survivors is vast, complex, and difficult to navigate, posing difficulties for identifying and translating relevant evidence. This study will advance the field by mapping and synthesising reviews to address the question: "What psychosocial interventions are available to promote the well-being of carers for people diagnosed with cancer, as reported in the evidence from reviews?".

Methods: A meta-review was conducted of reviews published between 2013 and 2024. PsycINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews databases and relevant reference lists were searched for eligible reviews. Records were screened and assessed in accordance with the method with data from included reviews extracted and synthesised. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guided reporting. Reviews were appraised using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic Reviews and Research Syntheses.

Results: Ultimately, 54 reviews met the inclusion criteria. This evidence was mapped regarding populations, interventions, and outcomes, including depression, anxiety, quality of life, and distress. On average, reviews addressed nine of 11 quality checklist items. Insights were gained concerning the role of theory, carer populations, and intervention characteristics.

Conclusion: Key features of the body of evidence were identified that can hinder progress and which point to ways forward. It is concluded that a recalibrated carer research agenda is needed, one that is designed to synthesise evidence concerning what works, for which carers to achieve what outcomes, or to address which kinds of psychosocial support needs.

Implications for cancer survivors: Despite the need to ensure that carers have access to programs that support their wellbeing as they care for their loved ones, the evidence to guide program development is complex and difficult to navigate. A refocusing of research efforts is needed to advance understanding of what is most effective for carers, and how this can be translated into clinical practice.

Keywords: Cancer; Caregiver; Carer; Psychosocial intervention; Support.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval: Approval was not required as this study includes only available published research literature. Conflicts of interest: The authors declare no competing interests.

References

1. NicGiollaEaspaig B, Tran Y, Winata T, Lamprell K, Fajardo Pulido D, Arnolda G, et al. The complexities, coordination, culture and capacities that characterise the delivery of oncology services in the common areas of ambulatory settings. Health Serv Res. 2022;22(1):190. - DOI
1. Litzelman K, Kent EE, Mollica M, Rowland JH. How does caregiver well-being relate to perceived quality of care in patients with cancer? exploring associations and pathways. J Clin Oncol. 2016;34(29):3554–61. - PubMed - PMC - DOI
1. Harrison R, Raman M, Walpola RL, Chauhan A, Sansom-Daly UM. Preparing for partnerships in cancer care: an explorative analysis of the role of family-based caregivers. BMC Health Serv Res. 2021;21(1):620. - PubMed - PMC - DOI
1. Moore C, Hassett D, Dunne S. Health literacy in cancer caregivers: a systematic review. J Cancer Surviv. 2021;15(6):825–36. - PubMed - DOI
1. Olson RE. Is cancer care dependant on informal carers? Aust Health Rev. 2012;36(3):254–7. - PubMed - DOI

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What can we learn from the evidence of psychosocial support for carers of people with cancer and how do we advance our efforts? A meta-review study

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What can we learn from the evidence of psychosocial support for carers of people with cancer and how do we advance our efforts? A meta-review study

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