The effects of common-sense model interventions on cancer patients: A systematic review

Background: From the time of new diagnosis to treatment, cancer patients experience a variety of health problems that can affect the patient's health outcomes. Individuals with cancer are being given increasing responsibility for the self-management of their health and illness. The self-regulating common-sense model (CSM) is effective in patients' disease management. This article briefly introduces the common-sense model intervention, in which patients with cancer are affected by these interventions, what they are about, and what effects they have.

Methods: The authors systematically review evidence for the common-sense model of self-regulation for cancer using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Based on a comprehensive literature search, we searched the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Embase, PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, CNKI, and WanFang databases. The included studies underwent a quality assessment using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP).

Results: Eleven empirical studies illustrated the aspects of common-sense model interventions for cancer patients. It is concluded that common-sense model intervention has an effect on symptoms in cancer treatment, behavior, and quality of life, but more studies are needed to verify the use of common-sense model intervention to explore in patients with different cancers. The systematic review summarized a four-point paradigm about intervention content, including assessing the current situation, setting goals, having a disease education and psychological adjustment, and getting feedback for further response. However, the application of intervention requires specific analysis of patient behavior and outcomes.

Conclusion: Common-sense model interventions are beneficial for the self-management of cancer patients; however, more intervention studies are needed to specify the cognitive, emotional, and coping styles of people with a particular cancer.