Evaluation of centers for information and support combining formal and informal care for patients with cancer: a systematic review of the literature.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Clear information and supportive care are necessary for patients with cancer to effectively manage their condition. Traditionally, healthcare professionals offer information and support via the so-called formal care route. In addition, research has found favorable effects of informal care provided by volunteer programs and informal "walk-in support centers." Less research has been done on initiatives that combine formal and complementary informal supportive care for patients with cancer. This systematic literature study aimed to discover (1) which types of initiatives are described in the literature, (2) what type of care they offer, and (3). how they are evaluated in terms of outcome measures.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, P

SUBMITTER: Driessen HPA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9385827 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature