An international collaboration in the IPOS Suvivorship SIG
Objective
Despite the availability of evidence-based psychosocial interventions, the provision of evidence-based psychosocial cancer care remains limited. We aimed to synthesize the scientific literature related to implementation of psychosocial interventions. More specifically, we aimed to describe studies with regard to: 1) Implementation outcomes and key findings, 2) Application of implementation frameworks, 3) Application of implementation strategies, and 4) Design and intervention effect outcomes.
Methods
A study group including a global collaboration nested within the International Psycho-Oncology Society conducted a scoping review. A literature search was performed for studies published up to December 31, 2023, using the search engines PubMed, CINAHL (EBSCO), PsycInfo (APA), Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science. Screening and data extraction was performed by at least two authors per study using the COVIDENCE platform and data was summarized in a narrative synthesis.
Results
Of the 8,308 studies identified, 38 met the inclusion criteria. Common barriers for implementation reported included integration with existing services, resource constraints, and staff training. Only one study applied a hybrid design, with the remainder using a broad mix of randomized controlled trials, mixed-methods, and qualitative designs. Twenty studies included an implementation framework, while 18 did not. Only three studies evaluated implementation strategies, while six studies included but did not evaluate implementation strategies, the remainder did not include implementation strategies.
Conclusion and Clinical implications
Our review revealed common barriers, but also promising findings regarding implementation of several interventions. Still, progress in the field is hindered by inconsistent use of implementation frameworks and limited attention to the systematic application and evaluation of implementation strategies. Strengthening methodological rigor, education in and prioritization of implementation will be essential for advancing the effective and sustainable integration of psychosocial care into routine survivorship practice.