Patient-centred care in precision oncology: A systematic review

Patient-centred care (PCC) improves outcomes in various clinical contexts. There is, therefore, a need to explore PCC in precision oncology - a rapidly advancing, innovative approach to cancer treatment/management that is increasingly integrated into patient care. This systematic review aims to synthesize evidence on PCC in precision oncology by addressing (1) How can precision oncology be delivered in a patient-centred manner? (2) How does patient-centred precision oncology impact outcomes?

Studies were eligible for inclusion if their population was cancer patients, used a patient-centred approach in delivering precision oncology, and reported patient/provider experiences. There were no restrictions to the study design and publication year. A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL databases was conducted from their dates of inception to June 21, 2021. Narrative synthesis was used.

The seventeen included studies were mostly qualitative (13/17), reflect breast cancer patients/providers experiences (9/17), and conducted during cancer treatment (16/17). Studies identified six processes for delivering patient-centred precision oncology and suggest that patient-centred precision oncology impacts patients' psychological outcomes and delivery of targeted therapy.

Findings highlighted respect for patients' preferences and supporting decision-making processes related to using precision oncology. More evidence of PCC in precision oncology is needed across the continuum of cancer care.

PCC processes identified can be targeted in the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs delivering precision oncology.