Assessing the Efficacy of Early Palliative Care Interventions on Psychological Resilience, Functional Capacity, and Health-Related Quality of Life within Patient-Caregiver Dyads in Oncology Settings

Abstract

Cancer affects both patients and caregivers, yet the dyadic impact of early palliative care (EPC) remains underexplored. To evaluate EPC efficacy on psychological resilience, functional capacity, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patient-caregiver dyads. A PRISMA-guided systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs (PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOhost, Cochrane; to January 2024) assessing psychological, functional, and quality-of-life outcomes. Subgroup analyses compared short-term (<24 weeks) versus long-term (≥24 weeks) effects using fixed- and random-effects models. EPC significantly reduced anxiety and depression in patients and caregivers, with larger effects at ≥24 weeks. Patient HRQoL improved on symptom-focused measures (EORTC QLQ-C30), but functional status showed no significant change. Caregiver benefits emerged more strongly in long-term follow-up, while care satisfaction improved robustly for both dyad members across all timepoints. EPC enhances psychological well-being and satisfaction within oncology dyads, supporting early, sustained, and dyad-focused palliative integration despite limited impact on functional capacity.