Scoping review identifying interventions that have been tested to optimise the experience of people from ethnic minority groups receiving systemic anticancer therapy (SACT).

Abstract

Background: Disparities have been identified in many aspects of the cancer care pathway for people from minority ethnic groups (MEGs). Adherence to systemic anticancer therapies (SACTs) has been shown to impact morbidity and mortality, and therefore, inequitable experiences can have a detrimental effect on outcomes.

Objectives: To identify interventions that focused on improving the experiences and clinical outcomes in people from MEG receiving SACT treatments.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted according to Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework to map the available literature. A comprehensive search was performed using three electronic databases (Medline, Embase and CINAHL). Standard scoping review methodology following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines was used. Studies were included that assessed interventions to improve MEG patients' experience with SACT. Study types included in the review were evaluation studies, randomised/non-randomised controlled trials and all observational studies. Exclusion criteria were applied to studies including opinion pieces, literature and systematic reviews, non-English studies, conference abstracts and studies that were not describing an intervention. Independent duplicate screening, study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were undertaken. Results of the studies were synthesised using a published equity framework.

Results: Searches yielded 1356 articles. Nine studies were included after exclusion criteria were applied. Studies described six digital, two in-person and one hybrid intervention employing different research methodologies, ranging from randomised controlled trials (RCTs), feasibility studies and mixed methods studies. The majority of interventions in this study were delivered remotely, using digital platforms such as websites, recorded educational training materials as well as social media. These interventions were conducted in the USA and primarily targeted patients with early breast cancer from African American backgrounds.

Conclusions: This scoping review showed that there has been a very small number of studies investigating interventions to optimise SACT treatment experiences in people from MEG. We found evidence of interventions incorporating the equity domains that reported improved patient engagement and experience. This new knowledge will help to implement future SACT interventions, addressing health inequities across the cancer continuum.