Models, outcomes, barriers, and facilitators of supportive care in cancer: a scoping review

Abstract Purpose There is wide heterogeneity of supportive cancer care provision in the UK. Greater understanding of evidence-based models is key to developing standards for care. The purpose of this scoping review is to identify the evidence-based models of delivering supportive care to patients with cancer, the outcomes measured, and the facilitators and barriers to accessing supportive care. Methods We conducted an extensive search using MEDLINE, SCOPUS, PsychINFO, EMBASE, EMCARE, CINAHL from 2000 until 2025 to identify (i) the existing service and workforce models/designs supporting supportive care delivery; (ii) the benefits, costs, and outcomes relating to these services; and (iii) the facilitators and barriers to setting up services. Data were analysed using tabular summaries and content analysis. Results One hundred and fifteen articles were analysed. Thirty-six distinct models of supportive care delivered by different professional groups were identified. Outpatient multiprofessional clinic models demonstrated the greatest number of positive patient outcomes. Positive outcomes were also described from digital, educational, and patient navigation models. Quality of life was the commonest reported primary outcome. Facilitators and barriers were described within five overarching themes: knowledge and understanding among healthcare professionals, clinical resource, logistics and organisation, patient-specific considerations, and digital considerations. Conclusion A variety of evidence-based models were identified with a range of outcome measures and a plurality of described facilitators and barriers. Future work involving patients and professionals delivering existing supportive care services is needed to investigate which models could be adopted at scale within the NHS to facilitate the standardisation of supportive care in UK cancer care.