Experiences and perceptions of patients with cancer receiving home-based chemotherapy: a qualitative systematic review protocol

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Home-based chemotherapy (HBC) has emerged as a standard option for treating various types of cancer, primarily to decrease the waiting time for treatment. As HBC gains more recognition, ongoing research is delving into the experiences of patients with cancer who receive chemotherapy in a home setting or chemotherapy closer to home. Understanding these experiences is vital for the use of chemotherapy delivery outside the traditional hospital environments. This review aims to synthesize and critically appraise qualitative studies that investigate the experience and perspectives of patients with cancer who received parenteral chemotherapy administration in home settings. Findings will be used to develop evidence-based policies to support home-based care models. METHODS: This review will follow JBI methods for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence. The databases for searching will include MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), ProQuest Health and Medical Collection, two Chinese databases, CNKI and Wanfang, and one Thai database, ThaiJO. Studies published in English, Chinese, and Thai will be considered for inclusion. Two reviewers will independently undertake study selection, data extraction, and critical appraisal of the methodological quality of studies. The synthesized findings will be assessed using the ConQual approach. DISCUSSION: The synthesis of qualitative studies on this topic will provide insights into the nuanced and varied experiences of patients receiving chemotherapy within the comfort of their homes. The review will also provide evidence-based recommendations to policymakers and healthcare administrators, to support the implementation of HBC for patients. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42024500476.