JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is experienced by 75% of cancer patients during treatment and 35% go on to experience cognitive impairment post treatment. Impairments in memory, attention, executive functioning and information processing speed are most reported and often negatively impact daily functioning and quality of life (QoL). Despite the large scale of reports, this adverse side effect is under investigated across common cancer types and there is a lack of insight into the CRCI experience.

Objective:

This qualitative synthesis aims to explore the evidence in relation to the experience of CRCI across common cancers. It also aims to understand the prevalence of CRCI across various cancer types, cognitive domains, its impact on QoL and functional ability.

Methods:

A comprehensive search of databases including PubMed, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL and Scopus will be conducted. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts for inclusion, followed by full-text screening. A third reviewer will resolve any arising conflicts in the process of data screening and inclusion. Subsequently, data extraction and quality assessment using the CASP tool will be conducted. The results will be analysed using thematic analysis.

Results:

Expected

Results:

The qualitative synthesis will explore the experiences of CRCI across common cancers. The included studies are expected to report on numerous cancer types such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, leukaemia and lung cancer. The included study types are most likely to be interviews, focus groups and surveys with qualitative components.

Conclusions:

This protocol highlights the need for a qualitative synthesis which will explore the experience of CRCI across common cancer types. It will provide valuable insight into the lived experience of CRCI and the cognitive domains which may be disproportionately affected. There is growing demand for further management interventions and clinically tested treatments of CRCI and the qualitative exploration of patient experience is crucial for their development. This qualitative synthesis will inform future developments and will contribute to improving QoL after cancer.