Nursing strategies to support psychological adaptation in adult cancer patients: a scoping review

To map the scientific evidence published in the literature about nursing strategies and intervention programs directed at supporting psychological adaptation in adult cancer patients.A scoping review based on Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers' Manual 2015 Methodology for JBI Scoping Reviews was conducted. Twelve databases were searched between 1 January 2012 and 31 January 2019.From 2203 studies, 32 were included. Evidence was grouped in five subjects: procedures, outcome assessment measures, nursing feasibility, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. The cognitive-behavioral therapy was most frequent intervention. These interventions were developed between 5 to 10 weeks, included 3 to 6 sessions and lasted up to 60 minutes. Despite a wide range of outcome measures employed, three main areas were identified, adjustment and coping; stress, anxiety and fear of recurrence; and quality of life.This review allowed to identify nursing strategies to support psychological adaptation in adult cancer patients, to assess vulnerabilities and difficulties related to nurse interventions and to recognize the need for further insights into the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.