Online self-compassion-based interventions on patient outcomes in patients with cancer: a systematic review
Clinical Snapshot
PICO Framework
| P — Population | Patients with cancer |
| I — Intervention | Online self-compassion-based interventions (mindful self-compassion, self-compassion-focused writing, compassion mind training, kindness interventions) |
| C — Comparator | Control groups or usual care |
| O — Outcomes | Self-compassion levels, mindfulness, body image appreciation, well-being, self-acceptance, posttraumatic growth, positive affect, self-criticism, social isolation, anxiety, stress, depression, body image distress |
Bottom Line
This systematic review of 8 studies suggests online self-compassion interventions may benefit cancer patients across multiple psychological domains including reduced anxiety, depression and improved wellbeing. However, the evidence base remains limited with some outcomes derived from single studies or quasi-experimental designs. While the interventions show promise for integration into holistic cancer care, particularly through telehealth platforms increasingly used in Australian practice, more high-quality randomised controlled trials are needed before routine clinical implementation. The online delivery format offers practical advantages for cancer patients who may have mobility or treatment-related barriers to face-to-face interventions. Clinicians should consider these interventions as adjunctive supportive care options while awaiting stronger evidence.
Key Findings
P Value: Not reported in abstract
Effect Size: Not reported in abstract
Primary Outcome: Multiple psychological wellbeing outcomes improved with online self-compassion interventions
Nnt Or Sensitivity: Sensitivity analysis showed robustness for all outcomes except anxiety
Confidence Interval: Not reported in abstract
Clinical Application
High feasibility given online delivery format, particularly relevant post-COVID for telehealth integration Highly applicable to Australian cancer care given inclusion of Australian studies and alignment with Cancer Australia's supportive care guidelines and telehealth initiatives under Medicare Cancer patients across treatment phases seeking psychological support interventions
Abstract
PURPOSE: This systematic review investigates the effectiveness of online self-compassion-based interventions and their impact on the outcomes of cancer patients. METHODS: A comprehensive search was carried out in the Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Ovid, and SpringerLink databases without any year limitation until January 01, 2026. Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines were used for systematic review and reporting. RoB2 and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines were utilized to assess the risk of bias. RESULTS: Eight studies included in the systematic review were conducted between 2017 and 2025 in Australia, the USA, the Netherlands, China, and Türkiye. The self-compassion interventions applied in the studies included mindful self-compassion, self-compassion-focused writing, compassion mind training, and kindness interventions. Online self-compassion-based interventions have been found to increase patients' levels of self-compassion, mindfulness, body image appreciation, well-being, self-acceptance, posttraumatic growth, and positive affect while reduce their levels of self-criticism, social isolation, anxiety, stress, and depression, body image distress. CONCLUSIONS: Studies have shown the positive effects of self-compassion-based interventions on patient outcomes. A sensitivity analysis that included only randomized controlled trials demonstrated robustness in all outcomes except anxiety; however, some research results were obtained from a single randomized controlled trial. Since some study results were derived solely from quasi-experimental studies, they were not included in the analysis. Therefore, more randomized controlled research is required to integrate these interventions into clinical patient care. Online self-compassion interventions can contribute to the planning of holistic nursing interventions for patient outcomes.
References
- 1.Çetiner, E., & Turan Kavradım, S. (2026). Online self-compassion-based interventions on patient outcomes in patients with cancer: a systematic review. Supportive Care in Cancer. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apjon.2023.100214
Related Research
The American journal of pathology
An Integrated Machine Learning and Genomic Framework for Precise Detection of Gastric Cancer
3 Aug 2026
Current opinion in chemical biology
Prediction of protein-protein interactions and co-complex models with deep learning
3 Aug 2026
European journal of radiology
A CT-based deep learning model to differentiate between benign and malignant adrenal lesions
3 Aug 2026
This content is for educational purposes for healthcare professionals only and does not constitute clinical advice. Clinical decisions should be based on individual patient assessment, current guidelines, and appropriate specialist consultation. Editorial Standards · Privacy Policy · Terms of Service