J Nurs Care Qual. 2025 Apr 1. doi: 10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000859. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Depression and anxiety are prevalent among patients with cancer, impacting their quality of life and treatment outcomes. Nurse-led interventions are promising but show variable effectiveness.
PURPOSE: This review assessed the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing depression and anxiety in patients with cancer.
METHODS: A systematic search identified studies evaluating nurse-led approaches for depression and anxiety. Meta-analysis used Cohen’s d with a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic.
RESULTS: Eighteen studies (n = 2054) showed significant reductions in depression (-1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.52 to -1.06) and anxiety (-1.31, 95% CI: -1.55 to -1.07). Effective strategies included self-care education, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and peer support. Moderate to high heterogeneity (I2 = 70%-75%) was partly resolved through sensitivity analyses.
CONCLUSIONS: Nurse-led interventions effectively reduce depression and anxiety in patients with cancer. Integrating these strategies into oncology care and standardizing protocols can further improve outcomes.
PMID:40168670 | DOI:10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000859
