Transforming home care: evidence-based self-management for post-surgical lung cancer symptoms

Objective: This study aims to synthesize the most robust evidence regarding non-pharmacological self-management interventions for symptom clusters in post-surgical lung cancer patients at home, thereby offering evidence-based guidance for clinical practice. Methods: In accordance with the “6S” evidence pyramid framework, a systematic search was conducted across pertinent guideline websites, evidence-based databases, association websites, and primary literature databases to identify relevant literature. The search encompassed the period from 1 January 2013, to 31 December 2023. Researchers, who had undergone evidence-based training and successfully passed the assessment, performed a quality evaluation of the identified literature. For literature that satisfied the quality criteria, evidence extraction and synthesis were subsequently undertaken. Results: A total of 24 articles were reviewed, encompassing three primary categories: early self-identification, general intervention strategies, and specialized intervention strategies. The analysis included nine key components: timely assessment, management of healthy living behaviors, pulmonary function exercises, and the management of symptom clusters, related to pain, fatigue, sleep disorders, respiratory system, digestive system, and psychological and emotional disorders. In total, 27 pieces of best evidence were synthesized. Conclusion: The study consolidates the best evidence for non-pharmacological self-management interventions targeting symptom clusters in ost-surgical lung cancer patients at home. It is recommended that medical professionals and health care providers tailor and implement this evidence within specific contexts to enhance the quality of life for these patients.