Self-management support in oncology: A concept analysis

To clarify the concept of self-management support in the oncology context.

Walker and Avant's concept analysis method was used. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, SinoMed, CNKI and ProQuest from database inception to 25 November 2025. Thirty-three publications were included. Data were extracted using a standardised form and analysed using directed content analysis.

Five defining attributes were identified: multidimensional support, an ongoing supportive process, collaborative partnership, person-centred care, and professional guidance and resource connection. Four antecedents were identified: the need for long-term illness management, unmet support needs, insufficient self-management capacity, and the complexity of self-management tasks. Five consequences were identified: strengthened self-management capacity, improved self-management behaviours, improved health outcomes, enhanced quality of life, and maintenance of social roles and functioning.

Self-management support in oncology is an ongoing, person-centred, professionally guided and collaborative process that integrates multidimensional support and resources to strengthen patients' capacity to manage illness-related problems. This concept analysis provides a clearer conceptual foundation for measurement development, intervention design and oncology nursing practice.