Effects of life review on mental health and well-being among cancer patients: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: Cancer patients often experience psychological distress. Life review has increasingly been used to enhance their mental health and well-being. However, no systematic review has synthesized the evidence, and its effects remain unclear.

Objective: To examine and synthesize the best available evidence on the effects of life review on mental health and well-being among cancer patients.

Design: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials and clinical controlled trials.

Data sources: Twelve electronic databases were searched for published studies reported in English or Chinese, from inception to September 2016. Other supplementary sources, such as related websites, professional books, reference lists, and author contacts were also used for published or unpublished studies.

Review methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify eligible randomized controlled trials or clinical controlled trials about the effects of life review on cancer patients. Study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction were independently performed by two reviewers. The results were synthesized without meta-analysis in this review.

Results: Fifteen studies (899 participants) were identified; of that total, nine studies were rated as strong in quality, while six studies were of moderate quality. In addition to structured life review interviews, other elements such as memory prompts and a legacy product were integrated into life review programs. A majority of studies indicated that life review programs benefited cancer patients by reducing depression and anxiety, as well as improving their sense of hope, self-esteem and quality of life.

Conclusions: Life review can improve mental health and well-being among cancer patients. This suggests that life review can be integrated into typical cancer treatment to enhance patients' mental health and well-being. More research with rigorous design is necessary to further explore the effects of life review.

Keywords: Life review; Mental health and well-being; Neoplasms; Nursing; Systematic review.