Supportive Care in Cancer

, Volume 25, Issue 7, pp 2349–2362 | Cite as

A systematic review of psychosocial interventions for colorectal cancer patients

  • Catherine E. Mosher
  • Joseph G. Winger
  • Barbara A. Given
  • Safi Shahda
  • Paul R. Helft
Review Article
First Online:
Received:
Accepted:

Abstract

Purpose

A significant minority of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients experience clinically meaningful distress that may warrant intervention. The goal of this systematic review was to assess the impact of psychosocial interventions on quality-of-life and psychosocial outcomes for CRC patients.

Methods

A systematic search of CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and PsycARTICLES was undertaken to obtain relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published through October 2016.

Results

Fourteen RCTs of psychosocial interventions for CRC patients were identified. Only three of these RCTs showed significant intervention effects on multiple mental health outcomes. These interventions included written and verbal emotional expression, progressive muscle relaxation training, and a self-efficacy enhancing intervention. Eight of the 14 trials, testing a range of psychoeducational and supportive care interventions, produced little to no effects on study outcomes. An evaluation of RCT quality highlighted the need for greater rigor in study methods and reporting.

Conclusion

A limited evidence base supports the efficacy of psychosocial interventions for CRC patients. Large-scale trials are needed before drawing definitive conclusions regarding intervention impact.

Keywords

Systematic review Colorectal cancer Interventions Psychosocial Psychological Quality of life 
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Notes

Acknowledgements

Catherine Mosher’s work was supported by the National Cancer Institute [grant numbers: K07CA168883 and K05CA175048]. Its content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Cancer Institute.

Compliance with ethical standards

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

For this type of study, formal consent is not required.

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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2017

Authors and Affiliations

  • Catherine E. Mosher
    • 1
  • Joseph G. Winger
    • 1
  • Barbara A. Given
    • 2
  • Safi Shahda
    • 3
  • Paul R. Helft
    • 3
  1. 1.Department of PsychologyIndiana University-Purdue University IndianapolisIndianapolisUSA
  2. 2.College of NursingMichigan State UniversityEast LansingUSA
  3. 3.Department of MedicineIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisUSA

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