Experience and Needs of Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer Patients: A Meta-Synthesis of Qualitative Studies

This study aimed to systematically evaluate the experience and needs of lung cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy, providing a theoretical basis for healthcare staff to implement comprehensive nursing programs for these patients.

Ten databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and SinoMed were systematically searched. The search encompassed articles published from the inception of each database until December 2024. The quality of the articles was assessed using the qualitative research quality evaluation criteria from the Joanna Briggs Institute's Evidence-Based Health Care Center in Australia. The findings were summarized and synthesized using a meta-synthesis methodology.

A total of 12 studies were included, and four findings were identified: (1) immunotherapy makes patients face multiple health transitions; (2) patients will find ways to improve their symptoms when facing immune-related adverse events (irAEs); (3) issues in self-rehabilitation management of patients at home; (4) lung cancer patients receiving immunotherapy have multidimensional needs.

Healthcare staff should pay attention to the early manifestations of patients' adverse reactions and promote doctor-patient communication; Through understanding the stage of patients' psychological state, give targeted nursing; And improve patients' self-management ability and meet their relevant needs.