Effect Of Question Prompt Lists For Cancer Patients On Communication And Mental Health Outcomes-A Systematic Review

Objective: To provide a systematic review on the effects of question prompt lists (QPL) in oncological settings. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Collaboration. Randomized controlled studies (RCTs) that evaluated QPL-only interventions were included. Risk of bias of included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Data concerning effects on communicative processes in patient-physician relationship and psychological outcomes were analyzed. Results: 10 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Results suggest that QPLs lead to a shift of topics discussed. There were weak indications that QPL interventions increase anxiety shortly before and after consultations, but may decline anxiety during follow-up. Patients consistently perceive QPLs as more helpful than usual information sheets. QPL-only interventions show limited impact on communicative processes and psychological outcomes. They help not to forget or discuss important questions. Conclusion: With a better integration in patient-physician communication QPLs may become a useful tool for patients and physicians. Future research is needed to investigate if there is greater benefit from QPL interventions in specific settings. Practice implications: QPLs are an inexpensive tool to influence communicative processes positively in oncological consultations. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.