A systematic review of the effectiveness of problem-solving approaches towards symptom management in cancer care.

AIMS: To investigate the evidence of problem-solving approach interventions on symptom management in cancer care. BACKGROUND: Symptom-related problems are a common challenge in cancer care. The problem-solving approach is one strategy of cognitive behavioural therapy used to help patients with cancer self-manage their symptoms. However, no systematic review has investigated the effectiveness of this approach. DESIGN: Systematic review. METHOD: A systematic search for intervention studies using randomised controlled designs, controlled clinical trial and quasi-experimental studies designs was conducted using the following electronic databases: EBSCO host, CINAHL (1991-2008), Medline (1975-2009), Electronic Periodical Services (Chinese) and Electronic Theses and Dissertations System (Taiwan). RESULTS: Seven studies published in English between 1975-2009 were included in this systematic review. All studies were randomly assigned and almost all studies demonstrated the positive effects of a problem-solving approach in reducing symptomatic problems in the target participants. Varying protocols and qualities of methodological design (14% good, 43% fair and 43% poor) were found in this review. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review highlighted the potential of a problem-solving approach in the management of symptom problems in patients with cancer. However, more rigourous studies are needed and a better evaluation of the most effective problem-solving approach protocols is required. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Cancer care nurses should explore the use of problem-solving approach interventions in their practice as the evidence base suggests the value of this approach--but caution is needed in regard to the precise structure of the problem-solving approach protocol.