Decreasing patient-reported burden of treatment: A systematic review of quantitative interventional studies

To describe and analyse studies aiming at quantitatively assessing the impact of interventions on patient-reported burden of treatment as an outcome (primary or secondary).

The aim of the search strategy was to identify all publications describing a medical intervention intended to reduce patient-reported burden of treatment in adult patients with long-term conditions, from January 1, 2008 to July 15, 2019. Four databases (Medline, PsycINFO, the "Trials" section of the Cochrane-Library, and OpenGrey) were searched in English, French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. Each identified article was reviewed and the risk of bias was assessed using a tool adapted from the Cochrane Collaboration recommendations.

Of 641 articles retrieved, 11 were included in this review. There were nine randomized controlled trials, one non-randomized controlled trial, and one before-and-after study. The sample sizes ranged from 55 to 1,546 patients. Eight out of the eleven studies reported significant positive outcomes of the studied interventions. Reducing dosing frequency, improving background therapy, offering home care or providing easier-to-use medical devices were associated with positive outcomes.

Only a few studies have specifically focused on decreasing the subjective burden of treatment. Small trials conducted in patients with a single specific disorder have reported positive outcomes. However, a large, high-quality study assessing the impact of a change in care process in patients with multiple morbidities did not show such results. Further studies are needed to implement this aspect of patient-centred care.