A comprehensive review of European clinical practice guidelines on psychological and cognitive assessment and support for cancer patients and their families.
Ilaria Durosini, Dario Monzani, Veronica Coppini et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review mapped European clinical practice guidelines and recommendations published in the preceding 15 years on psychological and cognitive assessment and support for people with cancer and their families. It included 38 publications. Most guidelines focused on adults and prioritised distress, anxiety, and depression; the Distress Thermometer and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were commonly used screening tools. Psychosocial support and counselling were the most frequently recommended interventions. The review also found substantial variation in evidence levels and recommendation strength, with digital and family-centred interventions receiving limited attention.
Key findings
- The review included 38 publications on European psycho-oncological guidelines and recommendations.
- Most guidelines addressed adults with cancer, prioritising distress, anxiety, and depression.
- The Distress Thermometer and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were common screening tools.
- Psychosocial support and counselling were commonly recommended, while digital and family-centred interventions were scarcely mentioned.
Why it matters
The review shows that psychological care is increasingly represented in European cancer guidelines, but recommendations are not consistent in their evidence base or strength. Limited attention to family-centred and digital support, alongside gaps in inclusivity and implementation, may constrain how comprehensively guidance addresses the needs of patients and families.
What to keep in mind
The review was restricted to European guidelines published in the preceding 15 years; it found heterogeneity in evidence levels and recommendation strength across the included guidelines.