This study looked at the effectiveness of ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) for people with advanced cancer using a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials approach. Eight studies, involving 488 people with advanced cancer were included.
Key findings
- The results showed significant effects of ACT on the improvement of quality of life and the alleviation of anxiety, depression, psychological distress and fatigue in people with advanced cancer.
- Effects in relieving psychological flexibility and pain were not statistically significant. The certainty of the evidence was low to moderate.
Recommendations for practitioners
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is conducive to improving their health outcomes for people with advanced cancer.
- This review may help nurses and researchers to design and implement ACT in clinical practice, thereby improving health outcomes in this population.
Reference
Pei Fang, Lanhui Tan, Jiaxin Cui, Liping Yu (2022) Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for people with advanced cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jan.15543
