APPROACHES OF MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH CANCER WITHIN THE COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION REGIONAL OFFICE FOR THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN: SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Cancer remains a major global public health challenge, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality. People living with cancer (PLWC) meaningful engagement has emerged as an important tool for high-quality, patient-centred care, as well as for enhancing decision-making, treatment adherence, and overall quality of life. Aim: To understand the extent of evidence in relation to PLWC meaningful engagement strategies within the countries of the world health organization regional office for the eastern mediterranean (WHO EMR). Methods: This review was conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. The inclusion criteria used the PCC framework (Participants: PLWC, Concept: meaningful engagement approaches as defined by the WHO framework for meaningful engagement of people living with noncommunicable diseases and mental health and neurological conditions, and Context: countries of WHO EMR. A comprehensive search was conducted in February 2025 across key databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, Index Medicus for the Eastern Mediterranean Region (IMEMR-WHO), and grey literature [ProQuest Central (Conference Proceeding/Dissertation/Thesis) and Google Scholar]. Studies were selected through a two-step process, initially screening titles and abstracts, followed by full-text reviews. Data was extracted using a standardized form. Evidence was synthesized narratively, with key findings presented thematically and in tables. The studies were arranged under the six enablers of the framework: Integrated Approaches, Redistributing Power, Building Capacity, Eliminating Stigma, Institutionalizing Engagement, and Sustainable Financing Results: A total of 614 citations were screened, resulting in 51 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. The studies spanned ten WHO EMR countries. Breast cancer was the most studied condition. The findings highlight variability in strategies including the 6 enablers of the WHO framework for meaningful engagement of people with lived experience. Integrated approaches being the most examined, while sustainable financing mechanisms were absent from the literature. Studies also highlighted the involvement of caregivers and healthcare professionals. Despite barriers, such as ethical concerns and lack of structured frameworks, patient involvement in research and treatment planning was emphasized. Conclusions: We need to mainstream the issue of meaningful engagement in the region through collaboration platforms, feature best practices and leaders from PLWC community, and improve commitment within the health system and governmental bodies to involve PLWC across the continuum of cancer care.