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

To identify, describe, and compare existing gray literature and scientific evidence concerning delivery models of respite care for adults with cancer using the Donabedian Structure-Process-Outcome (SPO) framework.

Following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, we systematically searched MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and gray literature. The search cutoff date was February 2025. Rayyan facilitated efficient screening. Data were coded and organized by SPO components.

Sixty-one studies met inclusion criteria. Respite care in cancer and palliative contexts emerged as a primary concept with four subcategories: delivery models, definitions, needs, and goals. Delivery models identified included in-home, day-care, inpatient, informal, family-centered, bereavement, virtual reality-based, and caregiver café models. Using the SPO framework, model elements were organized into three categories. Structure encompassed financing, human resources, service scheduling, barriers, and facilitators. Process covered admission criteria, admission procedures, and services provided. Outcome comprised experiences and related consequences. Despite diversity among models, common features appeared frequently. Innovative models emphasize psychosocial needs alongside common general and specialized services for patients and caregivers. However, evidence on their effectiveness and comparative outcomes remains limited, with most studies conducted in high-income countries.

Despite variations, the similarities among delivery models suggest potential for general development. Given the predominance of studies from developed contexts, further research is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness and generalizability across cultures and to expand the measurement of clinical, organizational, and economic outcomes.

These outcomes can inform development and standardization of respite care protocols within the SPO framework. Nurses can establish guidelines and clinical pathways across care settings, such as in-home, day-care, inpatient, bereavement, and virtual models. Addressing barriers and facilitators will improve accessibility and use by patients and caregivers. Preparing nurses for diverse respite care roles may enhance caregiver trust and engagement.