Psychosocial and educational intervention trials in prostate cancer

OBJECTIVES: To describe the nature and focus of published educational intervention trials in prostate cancer in the last 10 years and to examine the state of the research in this particular area of knowledge. DATA SOURCES: Health science and psychosocial electronic databases were searched for studies reporting trials of educational or psychosocial interventions for men with prostate cancer and for the partners or families of these men. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions were characterized by the aspect of the illness trajectory that was targeted. The majority of the studies focused on managing the disease, treatments, and side effects. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Psychosocial stressors and uncertainty are pervasive throughout the prostate cancer trajectory. Knowledge of psychosocial and educational interventions that have been tested is critical for nurses working with these patients and their families.