Online peer-to-peer support for persons affected by prostate cancer: A systematic review. Issue 10 (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ihrig, Andreas; Karschuck, Philipp; Haun, Markus W.; Thomas, Christian; Huber, Johannes
• Is Part Of: Patient education and counseling. Volume 103:Issue 10(2020)
• Page Start: 2107
• Page End: 2115
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: BC breast cancer -- BPS Bundesverband Prostatakrebs Selbsthilfe e.V -- CINAHL Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature -- EBRT external beam radiation therapy -- EMBASE Excerpta Medica database -- HIFU high-intensity focused ultrasound -- OSG online support group -- PC prostate cancer -- PICOS Patient population, Intervention, Comparative controls, Outcomes, Statistical analyses -- PRIME Reported Information Multidimensional Exploration -- PRISMA Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses -- RCT randomized controlled trial -- RoB 2 Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials -- RP radical prostatectomy; Peer support -- Prostate cancer -- Online support -- Health services research -- Systematic review; Patient education -- Periodicals; Health counseling -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; Counseling -- Periodicals; Patient Education -- Periodicals; Éducation des patients -- Périodiques; Counseling -- Périodiques; Éducation sanitaire -- Périodiques; 615.5071
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.05.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0738-3991

Abstract

Highlights: Little is known so far about online peer-to-peer support for persons affected by prostate cancer and its potential effects. In our systematic review, available studies were almost exclusively descriptive. Due to the inconsistent methodology a synthesis from the available studies is very limited. Population-based studies must describe the actual usage level. RCTs are necessary to clarify the effect and effectiveness of OSG. Abstract: Objective: Little is known about online peer-to-peer support for persons affected by prostate cancer (PC) and its potential effects. Methods: Our systematic review of the literature followed the PRISMA statement and revealed a total of 2372 records. Finally, 24 studies about online peer-to-peer support for persons affected by PC were selected for qualitative synthesis. Due to a lack of suitable quantitative results, the intended meta-analysis was not possible. Results: Available studies were almost exclusively descriptive. Only one randomized controlled trial (RCT) included 40 PC survivors. In this study, quality of life improved in online support group (OSG) users and decreased in the control group. However, it returned to baseline in both groups after eight weeks. As a summary across all studies, OSGs play a significant role in patients' treatment decision-making and for the social environment of PC patients. Information exchange in OSGs was predominant, but emotional and supportive content also had an important function. Conclusion: Due to the inconsistent methodology and the lack of reporting standards, a synthesis from the available studies is very limited. Practice Implications: Population-based studies should focus on the actual use of OSGs. The effectiveness of OSGs needs to be investigated in RCTs.