Abstract: Objective: To systematically evaluate the efficacy of fan therapy in alleviating dyspnea among patients, in order to provide evidence-based basis for nursing staff to apply the therapy for the management of respiratory distress symptoms. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple Chinese and English databases, covering studies from inception to December 31, 2024. Randomized Controlled Trials evaluating the effectiveness of fan therapy for reducing dyspnea were included. Two researchers, trained in evidence-based practices, independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed study quality. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results: Fourteen studies involving 337 dyspneic patients were included. Fan therapy significantly improved in dyspnea among patients with cancer [SMD=-1.43, 95%CI (-2.61, -0.26)] and pulmonary diseases [SMD=-0.41, 95%CI (-0.78, -0.04)]. Notably, fan therapy showed superior efficacy compared to alternative interventions, such as blowing on the legs [SMD= -1.53, 95%CI (-2.84, -0.21)] and blank control [SMD=-0.50, 95%CI (-0.97, -0.04)], particularly when directed at the patients' facial region. However, no significant effects were observed on patients' self-efficacy [SMD=-0.24, 95% CI (-0.62, 0.13)] or the 6-minute walk test [SMD=-24.31, 95%CI (-71.86, 23.25)]. Conclusion: Fan therapy can effectively relieve the dyspnea symptoms of patients, but has no effect on the self-efficacy and activity of patients.

Key words: dyspnea; fan therapy; cancer; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; Meta-analysis