Comparative Effectiveness of Psychosocial Interventions on Family Function and Resilience for Cancer Caregivers: A Systematic Review With Pairwise and Network Meta-analysis.
Jiang-Yan Song, Min Liu, Miao Zhang et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and pairwise and network meta-analysis assessed psychosocial interventions for family function and resilience among caregivers of people with cancer, using randomized controlled trial data. It included 12 studies with 1162 participants. In pairwise analysis, interventions were associated with improved family function (SMD, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.16-2.52). Network analysis also found improvements with family interaction approaches and psychoeducation. Neither analysis supported a positive effect on caregiver resilience.
Key findings
- Across interventions, pairwise meta-analysis found improved family function (SMD, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.16-2.52).
- Network analysis found improved family function with family interaction approaches (SMD, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.22-1.15).
- Psychoeducation improved family function in network analysis (SMD, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.24-1.08).
- Neither pairwise nor network meta-analysis found evidence of improved caregiver resilience.
Why it matters
Family function is a relevant outcome in cancer caregiving, and the findings suggest that psychosocial support may help strengthen it. The absence of demonstrated resilience benefits is also important: effects should not be assumed to extend across different caregiver outcomes. The review therefore highlights the value of considering family relationships and resources while recognising uncertainty about which outcomes interventions can improve.
What to keep in mind
The review included 12 studies, and the confidence interval for the overall family-function estimate was wide, indicating uncertainty in the effect estimate.