Service Delivery Models of Respite Care for Adults with Cancer: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Oncology Nursing
• Palliative Care
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Respite care is crucial for adults with cancer and their caregivers.
• Existing literature and gray literature on respite care delivery models require systematic synthesis.
• The Donabedian Structure-Process-Outcome (SPO) framework offers a robust lens for analyzing healthcare services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify, describe, and compare existing gray literature and scientific evidence on respite care delivery models for adults with cancer.
• To apply the Donabedian SPO framework to analyze these models.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of multiple databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar) and gray literature.
• Adherence to Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for systematic reviews.
• Data coding and organization based on the Donabedian SPO framework components.

Main Results:

• Sixty-one studies were included, focusing on respite care in cancer and palliative contexts.
• Identified delivery models include in-home, day-care, inpatient, informal, family-centered, bereavement, virtual reality-based, and caregiver café.
• Structure, Process, and Outcome elements were analyzed; innovative models address psychosocial needs, but evidence on effectiveness is limited, primarily from high-income countries.

Conclusions:

• Similarities across respite care models suggest potential for broader development.
• Further research is essential to evaluate effectiveness and generalizability across cultures.
• Outcomes can inform the standardization of respite care protocols and nursing guidelines.