Supporting Ethnic Minority Caregivers and Patients in Cancer Trajectories: A Systematic Review of Supportive Interventions

Purpose
This systematic review describes the content and outcomes of supportive care interventions targeting informal caregivers of ethnic minority cancer patients, including those involving both patients and caregivers.
Methods
Seven databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library) were searched using terms related to cancer, caregivers, ethnic minorities, and supportive interventions. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool assessed study quality. Narrative and thematic analyses identified intervention types, content, outcomes, and challenges.
Results
Inclusion criteria were informal caregivers (≥ 18 years) of patients with any cancer at any stage. Studies that only reported patient outcomes were excluded. From 7961 screened studies, 18 met inclusion criteria reporting on 13 unique interventions conducted in the USA and Australia. These included nine quantitative, six qualitative, and three mixed-method studies with 2014 participants from defined ethnic groups and various cancer diagnoses. Quantitative studies showed significant or medium-to-large effects, with only one reporting no significant impact. Qualitative studies described personal benefits and improved relationships with healthcare systems. Study design variability hindered generalizing challenges and recommendations.
Conclusion
Supportive interventions for caregivers of ethnic minority cancer patients, including those involving both caregiver and patient, show positive outcomes. However, heterogeneity in study designs and limited geographic scope challenge generalization and transferability. More research, particularly in Europe is needed.