Effect of question prompt lists for cancer patients on communication and mental health outcomes-A systematic review.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To provide a systematic review on the effects of question prompt lists (QPL) in oncological settings. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Collaboration. Randomized controlled studies (RCTs) that evaluated QPL-only interventions were included. Risk of bias of included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Data concerning effects on communicative processes in patient-physician relationship and psychological outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: 10 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Results suggest that QPLs lead to a shift of topics discussed. There were weak indications that QPL interventions increase anxiety shortly before and after consultations, but may decline anxiety during follow-up. Patients consistently perceive QPLs as more helpful than usual information sheets. QPL-only interventions show limited impact on communicative processes and psychological outcomes. They help not to forget or discuss important questions. CONCLUSION: With a better integration in patient-physician communication QPLs may become a useful tool for patients and physicians. Future research is needed to investigate if there is greater benefit from QPL interventions in specific settings. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS QPLs are an inexpensive tool to influence communicative processes positively in oncological consultations.