Co-design of family interventions in cancer care: A scoping review to assess key methods and processes

Cancer affects not only patients but also their families, with family caregivers experiencing heightened stress and health risks. Despite numerous support interventions, family caregivers often report unmet needs, largely due to the limited implementation of these interventions into routine cancer care or their lack of relevance to family needs. This scoping review aimed to systematically map the evidence on co-design approaches in family interventions within oncology, examining key themes, methodologies, and outcomes of interventions.

A scoping review was conducted. EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and CINAHL were searched for original research articles in August 2024, with no date restrictions. Studies on co-designed family interventions in cancer care involving adult patients with cancer and their adult family caregivers were included. Data were analyzed using descriptive content analysis.

Of 3024 references screened, fourteen studies were included. Four themes emerged: (a) Co-design approaches and frameworks, (b) Facilitators in the co-design process, (c) Challenges in the co-design process, and (d) Outcomes of the co-design process. The studies employed various co-design frameworks. Key facilitators of successful co-design included high stakeholder engagement, structured frameworks, a diversity of stakeholders, and training and capacity-building. Common challenges were recruitment difficulties, cultural barriers, and time constraints. The co-designed interventions addressed specific needs, enhancing relevance and effectiveness.

Co-design processes in family interventions in cancer care show promise in developing relevant and effective support strategies. Future research should focus on overcoming identified challenges and improving reporting standards to enhance the transparency and reliability of co-design studies.