Nursing Educational Interventions for Oncohaematological Patients Undergoing Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation and Their Caregivers: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review

Background/Objectives: Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT) has substantial physical and psychological implications for patients and caregivers. Although nurses play a crucial role in providing education throughout this journey, evidence on nursing educational interventions in this context remains limited. This Mixed-Methods Systematic Review aimed to synthesise their characteristics, outcomes, and associated experiences among adult patients undergoing ASCT and their caregivers. Methods: Following JBI convergent segregated methodology, we included quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies of nursing educational interventions for adults undergoing or preparing for ASCT and their caregivers. Studies explicitly involving paediatric or allogeneic transplant populations, as well as non-nursing interventions, were excluded. PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and CENTRAL were searched from inception to 6 April 2026. Methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Quantitative findings were synthesised narratively and qualitative findings through meta-aggregation. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251006310). Results: Seven reports representing six studies were included. One non-randomized study (60 participants) provided usable quantitative outcome data, reporting improvements in self-care and self-efficacy. Qualitative findings from two studies (55 participants) highlighted personalised information, emotional readiness, caregiver involvement, and peer support. Only one report directly included caregivers; no quantitative caregiver-reported outcomes were available. Conclusions: The limited quantitative evidence, with some uncertainty regarding its applicability, precluded firm conclusions about intervention effectiveness. However, qualitative evidence identified educational characteristics relevant to patients’ and caregivers’ experiences. Further rigorous research using validated patient- and caregiver-reported outcome and experience measures is needed. This work received funding from the Italian Ministry of Health.