Optimization strategies for care‑giving behaviors of family caregivers for patients with enterostomy: An evidence summary

Background To systematically retrieve and summarize evidence on optimization strategies for caregiving behaviors of family caregivers of patients with enterostomy, and to provide an evidence‑based reference for clinical practice. Methods This is an evidence summary that adopts the rigorous methodological framework of systematic reviews. Evidence was searched from databases and websites including UpToDate, BMJ Best Practice, the International Guideline Network, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (USA), the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (Canada), the World Council of Enterostomal Therapists, the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (USA), the Chinese Medical Journal Database, Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and CINAHL. The evidence types included clinical decisions, guidelines, systematic reviews, evidence summaries, and expert consensuses. The search period covered from database inception to January 31, 2026. Literature quality assessment was independently performed by at least two researchers trained in systematic evidence‑based methods. Evidence extraction and synthesis were conducted on the literature that met quality criteria, in combination with professional opinions. Results A total of 13 articles were included: 2 clinical decisions, 8 guidelines, 1 systematic review, and 2 expert consensuses. Sixteen pieces of evidence were summarized across four domains: structured empowerment of care knowledge and skills, support strategies for the care process, maintenance of caregivers’ physical and mental health, and construction of a multi‑dimensional support system. Conclusion The best evidence summarized in this study is scientifically sound and practical to a certain extent, providing a reliable basis for healthcare professionals to develop intervention plans and implement evidence‑based practice.