Enhancing mental health in oncology: The role of psychiatric interventions and nurse-patient relationships
Abstract
Cancer remains a significant global public health challenge, causing 7–8 million deaths annually. Advances in medical technology have significantly improved cancer survival rates; however, psychological issues such as anxiety and depression, alongside a reduced quality of life, continue to impact patients’ overall well-being and treatment outcomes. This review highlights psychiatric interventions and the critical role of the nurse-patient relationship as integral components of a comprehensive model for enhancing mental health in oncology patients. The aim of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of various psychiatric interventions, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychological counseling, and supportive therapies, while also identifying the benefits of the therapeutic relationship between nurses and patients. Data collection involved an extensive literature review (spanning over 10 databases) and a publication bias assessment through meta-analysis to evaluate the reproducibility of findings. The results demonstrate that psychological interventions can significantly reduce anxiety and depression in cancer patients, leading to improved quality of life. Moreover, the effectiveness of these interventions is further enhanced when supported by strong nurse-patient relationships, which foster greater trust and patient satisfaction. Despite the promising results, several limitations were identified, including variability in sample sizes and diversity in study designs. Future research should involve larger-scale and longitudinal studies to verify the long-term effects of these interventions. Additionally, the effectiveness of these interventions should be examined across different cultural contexts to ensure their generalizability. This study underscores the importance of robust nurse-patient relationships and psychiatric care tailored to the needs of cancer patients, providing a foundation for advancing clinical practice and future research.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jiangyou Yu, Chenggang Jiang
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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