Purpose: This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the literature to identify the components of home care-based education for cancer patients with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and evaluate its effects compared to traditional health education.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in Chinese and English databases until November 2024. The searching strategy, screening, quality assessment data extraction, and meta-analysis were performed scientifically.

Results: A total of 19 studies were included. Three core components of home care-based education were identified: catheter care, self-care, and resource support. Meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in eight outcomes for intervention groups: improved self-management abilities (MD = 17.77, 95% CI, Z = 9.2, P < 0.00001); reduced anxiety (MD = -8.53, 95% CI, Z = 4.56, P < 0.00001) and depression (MD = -11, 95% CI, Z = 3.97, P < 0.0001); lower complication incidence (OR = 0.17, 95% CI, Z = 11.79, P < 0.00001); higher compliance rate (OR = 0.16, 95% CI, Z = 4.98, P < 0.00001); improved self-efficacy (MD = 9.45, 95% CI, Z = 2.41, P = 0.02); increased satisfaction with nursing care (OR = 6.01, 95% CI, Z = 6.19, P < 0.00001); better quality of life (MD = 9.38, 95% CI, Z = 4.39, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions: Home care-based education improves self-management, psychological well-being, treatment outcomes, and satisfaction in cancer patients with PICCs. The identified components provide a practical framework for clinical implementation, though cultural adaptability and protocol standardization require further study. Trial registration CRD42024606607.

Huang X, Shi K, Zain NM, Yusuf A. Home care-based education for cancer patients with peripherally inserted central catheters: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Support Care Cancer. 2025 Jun 30;33(7):639. doi: 10.1007/s00520-025-09667-4. PMID: 40586980; PMCID: PMC12209036.