Nursing Intervention in Home-Based Palliative Care for Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Cancer constitutes a growing challenge for healthcare systems due to its high burden and complexity of care. In this context, home-based palliative care highlights the role of the nursing professional as the cornerstone of comprehensive care. • Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of structured home-based nursing interventions in oncological patients undergoing palliative care, in terms of symptom control, quality of life, and reduction of hospital readmissions. • Methods: A systematic review with a quantitative approach following the PRISMA statement guidelines. The literature search was conducted between 2019 and 2025 in the PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases. The search strategy included DeCS/MeSH descriptors and free text keywords in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, combined with the boolean operators AND and OR. Study selection was carried out through the phases of identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion, reviewing titles, abstracts, and full texts. Selected articles were critically analyzed and organized into matrices for the synthesis of relevant findings. • Results: The analyzed evidence included 18 studies (systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized clinical trials, and observational studies) developed globally. Nursing-led home interventions demonstrated significant improvements in patient quality of life, better symptom control (pain, dyspnea, fatigue), and higher family satisfaction. While results regarding reduction in hospital readmissions were heterogeneous, a clear reduction in aggressive end-of-life interventions was found. • Conclusion: Structured home nursing interventions constitute an effective strategy to improve clinical and humanistic outcomes in oncological patients undergoing palliative care, consolidating the nurse's role as an essential pillar of comprehensive care.