Effect of Home-Based Palliative Care on Quality of Life in Patients With Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: The implementation of home-based palliative care for patients with cancer aims to relieve suffering and improve quality of life, regardless of disease stage. However, outcomes of such interventions have been inconclusive. Objective: This study investigated the effect of home-based palliative care on the quality of life in patients with cancer. Interventions/Methods: Six databases (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science) were searched for relevant studies up to June 9, 2024. Randomized trials involving patients with cancer receiving home-based palliative care were included. A forest plot was generated using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model. Results: A total of 8 studies were included in the final analysis. Home-based palliative care appeared to enhance the quality of life of patients with cancer (pooled standard mean difference, 0.45 [95% confidence interval, 0.04-0.86]; P =.03). Conclusion: Home-based palliative care improves the quality of life for patients with cancer. Further research with larger sample sizes and more rigorous methodologies is needed. Implication for practice: The findings highlight the value of home-based palliative care as a model to address the needs of patients with cancer at home, improving their quality of life, similar to hospital-based care.