Abstract
Background: Individuals diagnosed with cancer face numerous psychological challenges like fear, anxiety, depression, and anger, which can significantly impact their mental state and treatment adherence. These psychological struggles underscore the importance of addressing emotional needs alongside medical treatment, seamlessly integrated into comprehensive cancer care through nurses' tailored psychological interventions.
Aim: This integrative review explored and synthesized the literature on nursing interventions aimed at enhancing the psychological well-being of individuals diagnosed with cancer.
Method: An integrative review was conducted and analysed using thematic analysis to identify themes exploring nursing interventions for cancer patients' psychological well-being.
Results: The search yielded twelve studies, including seven qualitative research studies and five randomized controlled trials. The integrative review identified four main themes: 1) nurse-led psychological interventions (Nurse Counselling and After-Intervention (NUCAI), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), metacognitive therapy, mindfulness intervention, and integrated psychosocial interventions), 2) positive effects on patients (lowered anxiety, depression, improved quality of life, and psychological adaptation), 3) specific psychological needs of cancer patients, and 4) barriers to implementation (lack of understanding, confidence in using online platforms, impracticable interventions, and negative outcomes).
Significance: These findings suggest that nurses must address patients' psychological needs to improve the cancer patient's quality of life and enable coping. Integrating nurse-led interventions, personalized care planning, emotional support, and access to technology are crucial recommendations for holistic care.
Recommendations: Invest in comprehensive training for nurses to routinely screen and identify patients needing psychological interventions, integrating psychological support throughout the cancer journey, develop individualized care plans, and explore technology-based interventions.