An Integrative Review of Self-Management Interventions for Treatment Sequelae in Adult Survivors.

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

Self-management interventions support cancer survivors in addressing the consequences of treatment. With post-treatment survivors living longer, it is critical to know how research responds to their changing needs.

LITERATURE SEARCH

A comprehensive search of the CINAHL®, PsycINFO®, and PubMed® databases was performed. Articles were included if the self-management intervention was conducted on cancer-free adult survivors after completing primary treatment.

DATA EVALUATION

Each study was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist.

SYNTHESIS

38 articles were included. The majority of the interventions were designed for short-term survivors, with limited interventions found to support the self-management of long-term cancer survivors. When implementing self-management support, there is a need to use theoretical frameworks that can respond to the changing needs of cancer survivors over time.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Future research should provide support for long-term survivors. Oncology nurses can use the results of this review to identify gaps in the self-management education provided to cancer survivors.