Table 4 Sub-group analysis of effect EPC to patient outcome, according measurement follow-up

 < 24 weeks follow-up

 Anxiety (DASS-A)

5

− 0.41

− 0.97, 0.15

0.15

0%

[38, 39, 44, 53]

 Depression

− 0.03

− 0.21, 0.16

0.78

40%

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

 DASS-D

5

− 0.55

− 1.40, 0.30

0.21

21%

[38, 39, 44, 49, 53]

 PHQ- 9

4

0.52

− 0.31, 1.35

0.22

57%

[39, 46, 49, 52]

 FACIT-PAL

2

2.39

− 1.22, 5.99

0.19

0%

[34, 38]

 Quality of life

12

SMD = 0.07

− 0,02, 0.15

0.12

45%

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

 FACT

7

1.53

0.65, 3.70

0.17

53%

[41, 42, 46, 48, 51,52,53]

 EORTC QLQ-C30

4

1.54

− 1.61, 4.68

0.34

49%

[43, 44, 50, 54]

≥ 24 weeks follow-up

 Anxiety (DASS-A)

5

− 0.84

− 1.40, − 0.28

0.003*

33%

[36, 38, 39, 46, 53]

 Depression

SMD = − 0.36

− 0.82, 0.09

0.12

83%

[36, 38, 39, 52, 53]

 DASS-D

4

− 2.39

− 4.30, − 047

0.01*

79%

[36, 38, 39, 53]

 PHQ- 9

2

1.11

0.10, 2.12

0.03

0%

[39, 52]

 FACIT-PAL

2

1.67

− 3.33, 6.66

0.51

0%

[34, 38]

 Quality of life

6

SMD = 0.25

0.12, 0.37

 < 0.0001*

22%

[36, 41, 50,51,52, 54]

 FACT

4

3.89

0.75, 7.04

0.002*

47%

[36, 41, 52, 53]

 EORTC QLQ-C30

2

5.60

− 1.10, 12.31

0.10

0%

[50, 54]