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01-12-2024 | Solution-Focused Therapy | Review

The effectiveness of solution-focused therapy in cancer-related symptom management: a systematic review

Authors: Maryam Maleki, Abbas Mardani, Mostafa Gholami, Nasrin Hanifi, Mojtaba Vaismoradi

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 12/2024

Abstract

Objective

Solution-focused therapy (SFT) as a psychoeducational support intervention has gained an increasing attention for alleviating complications associated with cancer. The aim of this review was to integrate and synthesize scientific evidence regarding the efficacy of SFT in the management of cancer-related symptoms.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted, encompassing the exploration of five online databases—Web of Science, PubMed (including MEDLINE), CINAHL, Embase, and Scopus. Articles published from inception to December 2023 were retrieved. The review included all clinical trials and similar interventional studies assessing the impact of SFT on cancer-related symptoms. Relevant data were extracted from eligible studies following quality appraisals using appropriate methodological tools. The review results were presented in a narrative format due to the impossibility of conducting a meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 239 studies were identified during the search process, of which eight articles met the inclusion criteria. The overall sample size comprised 555 patients with cancer that were mostly female (n = 386). Four studies employed randomized controlled trials (RCT), while the remaining four utilized the non-RCT method. SFT-based interventions demonstrated effectiveness in addressing stress, anxiety, depression, somatization, cancer-related fatigue, pain catastrophizing, and negative coping. Additionally, they improved psychological well-being, hope, positive coping, self-efficacy, quality of life, and sexual quality of life among cancer patients.

Conclusions

Various SFT-based interventions have been shown to be effective in managing cancer-related symptoms and can be considered valuable additions to routine care, complementing medication therapy and other therapeutic measures to alleviate patients' suffering associated with cancer.

Systematic review registration number (PROSPERO): CRD42023413910.

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Title: The effectiveness of solution-focused therapy in cancer-related symptom management: a systematic review
Authors: Maryam Maleki
Abbas Mardani
Mostafa Gholami
Nasrin Hanifi
Mojtaba Vaismoradi
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Solution-Focused Therapy
Cancer Fatigue
Coping Skills
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 12/2024
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-024-09008-x

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The effectiveness of solution-focused therapy in cancer-related symptom management: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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