Peer support in patients with hematologic malignancies: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Hematology
• Transplantation Medicine

Background:

• Peer support is linked to positive outcomes in solid tumor patients.
• Limited research exists on peer support for hematologic malignancies and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the literature on peer support and clinical outcomes in hematologic malignancy patients and HSCT recipients.
• To identify the current state of research and potential benefits of peer support in these populations.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review conducted following PRISMA guidelines.
• Searched five databases for relevant studies.
• Included studies examining peer support and clinical outcomes.

Main Results:

• Eight studies involving 574 patients were included.
• Four intervention studies suggested peer support may improve physical symptoms.
• Two studies indicated a need for more evidence-based peer support interventions for HSCT patients.

Conclusions:

• A significant gap exists in the literature regarding peer support for hematologic malignancy patients and HSCT recipients.
• Preliminary findings suggest a positive association between peer support and better health outcomes.
• Further randomized controlled trials are necessary to establish the role and efficacy of peer support interventions in these populations.