Family participation in dignity interventions for patients with cancer receiving palliative care: A scoping review

Cancer patients face significant physical and psychological challenges, often requiring assistance due to limited self-care and mobility. As primary caregivers, families play a critical role in their support. Recent research has highlighted family participation in dignity interventions aimed at enhancing dignity, value, and meaning in life, especially for terminal-stage patients. However, there is a lack of comprehensive synthesis and evaluation of the specific characteristics of family participation in these interventions.

A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. We conducted a systematic search across nine databases, including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ProQuest, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and WanFang, covering all records available from each database's inception up to November 26th, 2024. Two independent reviewers systematically screened the titles, abstracts, and full texts of the included studies to assess their eligibility based on the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

A total of 4422 publications were identified in this review, of which 32 studies were included, with 29 conducted in Asia. The research primarily focused on the characteristics of family participation in dignity interventions, which were predominantly structured around four key components: Explanation Session, Reminiscence Session, Transcript Review Session, and Sharing Session. Family participation in dignity interventions were found to have significant benefits for end-stage cancer patients across multiple domains, including mental health, psychological well-being, quality of life, and family relationships. Additionally, these interventions showed positive impacts on family caregivers.

The review synthesized the characteristics and outcomes of family participation in dignity interventions, highlighting their potential to enhance patient dignity, strengthen family dynamics, and promote positive psychosocial outcomes. Future research should focus on exploring diverse cultural and clinical applications to validate the evidence and to improve the accessibility and implementation of such interventions.