Supportive care interventions for cancer patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): a scoping review

Abstract

In high-income countries (HICs), supportive care is often implemented to assist cancer patients as they seek treatment and beyond. However, in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), where more than 70% of all cancer-related deaths occur [1], the provision of supportive care has not been assessed. The purpose of this scoping review is to assess the type of supportive care interventions for cancer patients that are being implemented into practice across the cancer care continuum in LMICs. MethodsWe examined published articles reporting on supportive care interventions in LMICs. Following PRISMA guidelines, we performed a systematic search of PubMed, ERIC, CINAHL, and PsychInfo. We limited the scope to original research studies focused on LMICs, studies that implemented any type of supportive care intervention for adult cancer patients, from diagnosis, treatment, and through survivorship. ResultsThirty-ve studies met the criteria for inclusion in the scoping review. The majority were randomized clinical trials (RCT) or used a quasi-experimental design. The highest number of studies (n=23) were implemented in the WHO Eastern-Mediterranean region, followed by South-East Asia (n=6), Africa (n=4) and Western-Paci c Regions (n=2). Most studies focused on women's cancers and included interventions for psychosocial support, symptom management, health literacy/education, and patient navigation. ConclusionsAlthough only a small number of interventions are being implemented in these settings, our results suggest that providing different types of supportive services in less-resourced settings, even when health systems are fragmented and fragile, can improve mental health, physical health, and the quality of life (QoL) of cancer patients.

Operationalizing patient-centered cancer care in low- and middle-income countries

“…The urgency of increased funding for such research in LMICs, as well as the promotion and dissemination of best practices, was also raised. 3 …”

“…This notion is corroborated by a scoping review of supportive care interventions for cancer in LMICs, which revealed a complete absence of interventions addressing the social and practical challenges stemming from cancer diagnoses, including financial toxicity, employment disruption, disability, and stigma. 3 …”

“I Am a Human”

“…(5) What has or has not changed regarding your experience from the time of your diagnosis? (6) What changes do you want to see happen to your plan of care?…”

“…Many cancer programs in sub-Saharan Africa prioritize curative interventions that fail to address patients' sociocultural, psychological, spiritual, and physical palliative needs, missing critical opportunities to improve quality of life and alleviate suffering, 6,7 often complicated by humanitarian crises and armed conflict 8-10 . Liberia is a postconflict, low-income West African nation with an estimated 5000 health workers providing care for a population of approximately 5 million people (Table 1).…”

Cancer survivorship programs and care delivery models for cancer survivors’ transition in South Korea: A scoping review

“…Consequently, it is essential for cancer survivors to understand their diagnosis, treatment plan, and follow-up procedures, while also receiving the necessary physical and emotional support for effective cancer treatment. [12,13].…”