A scoping review on mindfulness-based interventions for families of patients with advanced cancer.

We aimed to conduct a scoping review to investigate mindfulness-based interventions targeting the families of patients with advanced cancer to elucidate the characteristics of the target population, program content, and evaluation methods. The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, and relevant studies were identified through searches in the PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases. A total of 13 studies were included, with only one focusing solely on family members, while the rest involved both family members and patients. Among the 13 studies, 4 were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and 10 were pilot studies. The sample sizes varied, with seven studies involving single-group designs, four using two-group designs, one with a three-group design, and one study where no information on group size was provided. The framework and content of the programs were adapted from existing mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques to suit the target context and were evaluated using multiple measures, including assessments of anxiety and depression. Most studies recruited families and patients together, and programs targeting families alone were underdeveloped. Future studies should address the needs and challenges faced by the families of patients with advanced cancer, refining program content and evaluation methods from the perspective of nurses.