Effectiveness of nursing interventions in the postoperative recovery of gastric cancer patients: A systematic literature review

Abstract

Context: Gastric cancer is a global health problem and surgery is the most common curative treatment. Objectives: To analyze and synthesize the nursing programs/interventions and their effectiveness in the postoperative recovery of gastric cancer patients. Review Method: Using a PICO guiding question, a literature review was conducted on articles exploring the effectiveness of nursing programs/interventions in the postoperative recovery of gastric cancer patients aged 18 years or more and published between 2005 and 2015. A search was performed in the CINAHL®, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MedicLatina, and MEDLINE® databases. The methodological quality was assessed based on the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute®. Interpretation of Results: Three studies were included, which support the effectiveness of nursing interventions in reducing patients’ functional and nutritional decline, and improving their cognitive function, knowledge, and ability to cope with the disease. Conclusion: The nursing programs/interventions contribute to the postoperative recovery of gastric cancer patients. Further studies should be conducted to consolidate these results.