Exploring health system factors related to the quality of life of people with (a history of) cancer: a rapid review

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a leading cause of death in Europe, and it has a major impact on the quality of life of those affected by it. Quality of life is a multifaceted concept affected by a range of factors, namely individual, organisational, and national health system factors. Despite existing research on individual and organisational aspects, little is known about the association between health system factors and quality of life. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the health system factors that relate to the quality of life of people with (a history of) cancer and to identify potential gaps in literature. METHODS: We conducted a rapid review to gain insight into what is known in scientific literature regarding health system factors that are related to the quality of life of people with (a history of) cancer. We complemented our findings with a broad search in various grey literature databases. RESULTS: The rapid review included 31 studies, which were supplemented by six health policy reports and one book chapter. Based on the review of scientific and grey literature, we constructed a list of ten health system factors that may relate to the quality of life of people with (a history of) cancer. CONCLUSIONS: We compiled a list of ten health system factors that may relate to the quality of life of people with (a history of) cancer. Seven factors were identified from and described in scientific literature. Three factors, namely 'policy and vision', 'research and innovation', and 'quality of care delivery', were identified in grey literature. The relation of these health system factors needs to be studied further to better understand what may impact on the quality of life of people with (a history of) cancer.