Effects of Nurse-Led Nonpharmacological Pain Interventions for Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Year: 2026
Type: review
Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
Abstract: Background:Cancer-related pain is one of the most distressing symptoms experienced by patients and significantly affects quality of life.While pharmacological management remains the cornerstone of treatment, nonpharmacological interventions led by nurses have gained increasing attention as complementary strategies. Aim:To evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led nonpharmacological interventions (NPIs) in reducing pain among patients with cancer. Methods:A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library.Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining nurse-led NPIs for cancer pain were included.Data were analyzed using pooled effect sizes with a random-effects model. Results:The meta-analysis demonstrated that nurse-led NPIs significantly reduced pain intensity compared to usual care.Interventions such as massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, acupressure, and psychoeducational approaches showed both short-term and long-term effectiveness.The pooled effect size indicated moderate improvement in pain outcomes. Conclusion:Nurse-led nonpharmacological interventions are effective adjuncts to pharmacological therapy in managing cancer-related pain.These interventions should be integrated into routine oncology nursing practice.
Authors: Neeraj Kumar Bansal, Dr. Nitin Chicholkar
Language: English
Subfield: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7204233418