Effect of non-pharmacological interventions on symptoms and quality of life in patients with hematological malignancies – A systematic review

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Background: Non-pharmacological interventions have the potential to enhance health-related quality of life (HRQoL) through symptom management. This systematic review aims to identify, collate, and assess randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of non-pharmacological interventions on symptoms and HRQoL within hematology. Methods: MEDLINE/PUBMED, EMBASE, CINAHL, PSYCINFO and COCHRANE were searched up to April 2021. Outcomes were changes in symptoms and HRQoL. Results: Sixty-five studies were categorized into five intervention types: Mind/body (n=9), Web-based (n=9), Music/art (n=6), Consultation-based (n=4), and Physical activity (n=37). We found significantly reduced fatigue (n=12 studies), anxiety (n=8) and depression (n=7), with 11 studies showing significant improvements in HRQoL. Conclusions: The evidence for non-pharmacological interventions shows substantial variation in efficacy and methodological quality. While specific symptoms and HRQoL outcomes significantly favored the intervention, no particular intervention can be emphasized as more favorable, given the inability to conduct a meta-analysis.

Original languageEnglish
Article number104327
JournalCritical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
Volume196
Number of pages19
ISSN1040-8428
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

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© 2024 The Authors

    Research areas

  • Hematology, Malignancy, Non-pharmacological interventions, Quality of life, Symptom management, Systematic review

ID: 387254034