An Integrative Review and Meta-analysis of Oncology Nursing Research: 1985-1997.2

Lim, Sun Ock; Hong, Eun Yung

Abstract

The purpose of this study were to describe 12 years of patient-related oncology nursing research in Korea, identifying various nursing interventions, and assessing the effectiveness of the interventions, through analysis and synthesis of the accumulated research papers. One hundred and seventy-nine studies were selected fro this study and these were mostly descriptive in design(69.2%). Of the 179 studies, 25 met the criteria for meta-analytic treatment. Twenty-five experimental studies were found in theses and dissertations(68%), 92% used convenience sample, and the median sample size was 40. Subjects were predominantly in treatment and rehabilitation(76%). Most studies(68%) were not derived from a theory base, with only 8% reporting use of a nursing theory. Results of the meta-analysis are as follows. The effect size of the nursing intervention type was found to be significantly effective. The standardized mean difference ranged from a high positive of 2.55 to a low negative of -0.22. Direct personal nursing intervention method was more effective than indirect group method. Two nursing intervention methods were more effective than one. The greatest effect size was thyxical intervention. The greatest mean effect size was scalp hypothermia technique. Teaching was a frequent intervention after 1990, although a wide range of treatments were studied. Effect size of intervention for symptom management was largest in relieving pain Effective intervention method for relieving anxiety was exercise.