The effectiveness of nurse-led telehealth interventions in palliative care for patients with cancer and their family caregivers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Although telehealth is increasingly implemented in palliative oncology, the psychosocial effectiveness of nurse-led telehealth interventions remains unclear. Existing reviews are largely descriptive and do not isolate nurse-delivered interventions or synthesize psychosocial outcomes for both patients and family caregivers.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led telehealth interventions on psychosocial outcomes among patients with cancer receiving palliative care and their family caregivers.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES: Nine electronic databases were searched from inception to April 2025 for randomized controlled trials evaluating nurse-led telehealth interventions.

RESULTS

Nine trials (n = 3177 participants) were included. Among patients, nurse-led telehealth significantly reduced anxiety (Hedges' g = 0.46) and improved quality of life (Hedges' g = 0.33). Effects on depressive symptoms were not statistically significant. Among family caregivers, significant improvements were observed in anxiety (Hedges' g = 0.30), depression (Hedges' g = 0.42), quality of life (Hedges' g = 0.45), and stress burden (Hedges' g = 0.44). Interventions comprising more than six sessions demonstrated greater effectiveness for selected outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Nurse-led telehealth interventions improve psychosocial outcomes in palliative oncology for both patients and family caregivers. Structured and adequately intensive programs may enhance intervention impact and support evidence-based digital nursing practice.