Exploring Nursing Interventions for Depression Management in Patients with Cancer: A Scoping Review

Cancer diagnosis, which is linked to a poor prognosis, frequently triggers significant patient distress. This distress can culminate in depression and reduce quality of life (QoL), impacting patient outcomes and elevating cancer mortality rates. This study aimed to explore which nursing interventions for depression management among cancer patients have been assessed and their related outcomes for all types of cancer.

A scoping search was conducted from 2018 to 2023 across the four databases. Of the initial 549 studies identified, 34 met the inclusion criteria after eliminating duplicates and verifying titles and abstracts. The methodological quality of these studies was assessed using an evidence- based nursing approach to reach a specialized scoping review abstract database for evaluating the effects of nursing interventions.

The analysis yielded two distinct categories of nursing intervention. Firstly, "Helpful Nursing Interventions in Depression Outcomes in Patients with Cancer " encompassed a spectrum of efficacious strategies, including supervised exercise programs, mindfulness training, self-management psychoeducation, perioperative management, PDCA-based nursing models, and case management interventions. Secondly, "Needless Nursing Interventions in Depression Outcomes in Patients with Cancer " spotlighted interventions that failed to yield significant improvements in depression outcomes. These include palliative care consultations, web-based education, and rehabilitation programs.

Nursing interventions vary in effectiveness and often depend on individual patient profiles and cancer staging. While some interventions significantly improve depression scores, others yield less favourable outcomes.

The findings of the present scoping review can be used by nurses and researchers to understand the potential benefits of nursing interventions for cancer patients and to improve similar interventions in their own clinical practices to address challenges in patients' conditions during their cancer treatment.