Study designs of evaluations included in the review
No inclusion criteria relating to study design were pre-specified. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental studies and case series reports were included.
Specific interventions included in the review
To be eligible, the study interventions needed to be delivered to the partners of breast cancer patients and include strategies to help them. Studies of interventions delivered to both patients and partners were eligible provided the partner was also a target for help in the intervention. Theories guiding the interventions in the primary studies included communication and problem-solving, cognitive therapy, sex-role theory, and a combination of theoretical and experience-based approaches. The form and content of the interventions varied. All were delivered in a clinical setting or at a central location, usually by professionals in social work or psychology. All interventions used supportive techniques; other components included education, skills development and activities to promote discussion and insight. Where reported, the interventions were conducted once a week for between 4 and 10 weeks.
Participants included in the review
To be eligible, the studies needed to include partners of patients with breast cancer. Initial recruitment in the studies included approaching breast cancer patients at clinics, asking for volunteers through newspapers, and obtaining referrals from other professionals.
Outcomes assessed in the review
The outcomes of the partners of breast cancer patients needed to be reported. No specific outcomes were predefined. In addition to evaluative outcome data, both anecdotal or observational outcome data were also acceptable. A variety of outcome measures to assess mood or emotional discomfort, marital adjustment, social support, sexual satisfaction and other constructs (tools used were reported) were examined in the included studies.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The authors did not state how the papers were selected for the review, or how many reviewers performed the selection.