Aim
The purpose of this literature review is to identify literature that applies family-based interventions in order to improve health behaviours of the people with a cancer diagnosis and members of their family. For the purposes of this review, we define family as the relationship between two or more individuals either by marriage, birth and adoption and/or who live together. Knowing that there is limited evidence illustrating whether family-based interventions are effective in improving health behaviours of patients with cancer and their families, this type of literature will give a better insight for the development of interventions whose main target will not only be the patients but their significant others as well.
How will the study be carried out?
The research team will identify papers that meet the inclusion criteria set by the team prior to the paper search. Having screened titles and abstracts, a full copy of each paper that meets the inclusion criteria will be obtained. The papers will be read and discussed by all members of the team before a final selection of papers is made. Subsequently, data extraction will be carried out to summarise the key findings and identify any possible similarities or differences. A narrative literature review will be conducted, including experimental studies (randomised-controlled trials), quasi-experimental studies and observational studies with a control group (cohort study, case study, before and after design).
Why is this research important?
This research is important as it will help determine the effectiveness of interventions in improving health behaviours (physical activity, diet and smoking) in patients with cancer and their family members. Based on previous research, individuals who have direct experience of cancer within their family are more likely to feel more susceptible to the disease. This feeling of vulnerability may drive the individuals to become more disposed to changing their health behaviours. It is important to identify literature that illustrates the effectiveness of family-based interventions in order to understand how to approach such a significant target group. If family-based interventions are effective, they could be used not only to reduce cancer recurrence of the patient population, but also to improve the health-related behaviours of their families and the general population.
Who are we working with?
This review is being conducted by an experienced multidisciplinary research team. Dr Gill Hubbard, Senior Research Fellow at CCRC is the project manager of the literature review. Dr Liz Forbat, Senior Research Fellow at CCRC and Adrienne Hughes, Lecturer in the Department of Sports Science, are assisting with the draft of the report and paper. Sara Walker, Information and Library manager at CCRC is conducting the electronic searches and Michelle Hadjiconstantinou is the Research Assistant from CCRC working on the review.
When will this review take place?
The review is underway.
When will the final report be ready?
It is anticipated that a full report of this review will be completed by the end of August 2009.
How will the review be disseminated?
The research team aims to have the results published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Involvement of people affected by cancer
A member of the WoSCAN partnership forum is advising our work on health behavioural change.
Funding Organisation
This review is funded by the Department of Nursing and Midwifery.