Table 3 Meta-analysis of pooled effect EPC to patient and family caregiver outcomes

Patient outcome

 Anxiety (DASS-A)

10

− 0.62

− 1.02, − 0.23

0.002^*

9%

[36, 38, 39, 44, 45, 49, 53]

 Depression

15

SMD = − 0.15

− 0.36, 0.05

0.14

69%

[38, 39, 44, 46, 49, 52, 53]

 DASS-D

9

− 1.40

− 2.40, − 0.39

0.006^*

67%

[36, 38, 39, 44, 49, 53]

 PHQ- 9

6

0.76

0.12, 1.39

0.02

38%

[39, 46, 49, 52]

 FACIT-PAL

4

2.14

− 0.78, 5.06

0.15

0%

[34, 38]

 Quality of life

17

SMD = 0.13

0.06, 0.19

0.0004^*

47%

[41,42,43,44,45,46, 48, 50,51,52,53,54]

 FACT

12

2.36

0.40, 4.32

0.02^*

31.9%

[36, 41, 42, 48, 51,52,53]

 EORTC QLQ-C30

6

2.27

− 0.58, 5.12

0.12

32%

[43, 44, 50, 54]

 Satisfaction (FAMCARE-P- 16)

3

2.45

0.90, 4.01

0.002^*

0%

[44, 47, 55]

Family caregiver outcome

 Quality of life

13

SMD = 0.05

− 0.05; 0.14

0.34

0%

[22, 35, 37, 38, 40]

 SF- 36 Physic

5

0.81

− 0.46, 2.09

0.21

0%

[22, 35, 40]

 SF- 36 Mental

5

0.53

− 1.03, 2.08

0.51

0%

[22, 35, 40]

 CQOL-C

3

− 4.08

− 9.41, 1.25

0.13

0%

[22, 37, 38]

 Satisfaction (FAMCARE- 2)

2

4.09

0.60, 7.58

0.02^*

79%

[22, 35]