In the context of increasing prostate cancer survivorship, evidence of unmet supportive care needs, and growing economic health-care restraints, Cockle-Hearne and Faithful examined and evaluated best approaches for developing self-management programs to meet men's survivorship needs. A search of international literature published in the last 12 years was conducted. Only randomized controlled trials were included in the analysis. Key components of the interventions were evaluated to determine what has been offered, and which elements are most beneficial in improving health outcomes. Methodological issues were also considered. Targeting participant need and promoting motivation to participate and maintain program adherence were the most important factors to emerge in ensuring positive health outcomes. Both need and motivation are multi-faceted, the components of which were identified and evaluated. Guidance was also identified in relation to delivery design, theoretical mechanisms for change, modes of delivery and facilitator issues.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER: The authors concluded that self-management is a viable and appropriate way of providing health-care solutions to ameliorate men's functional and emotional problems associated with increased prostate cancer survivorship. Integration into clinical practice will require training, resources and commitment and, in addition, economic viability will be difficult to assess since cost comparison with current provision is not straightforward.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A PATIENT: Judging from the results reviewed, there is convincing evidence that can be used to design, implement and evaluate future self-management programs for men surviving prostate cancer.

J Cockle-Hearne, S Faithful. Self-management for men surviving prostate cancer: a review of behavioural and psychosocial interventions to understand what strategies can work, for whom and in what circumstances. Psychooncology, January 29, 2010.