Nurses Supporting Cancer Survivors with the Self-Management of Symptoms

Abstract

To examine evidence-based interventions for nurses to use when supporting cancer survivors self-manage their symptoms. Part I: A systematic review to determine the effect of shared medical appointments (SMAs) on patients with a physical chronic illness (excluding diabetes mellitus), their healthcare providers and the healthcare system. Nine randomized controlled trials were included; one focused on breast cancer survivors. This trial was feasible and showed no difference in outcomes compared to usual care. Part II: A descriptive study to adapt and evaluate the acceptability of an evidence-informed symptom practice guide (SPG) for use by nurses for the assessment, triage, and management of patients experiencing dyspnea due to cancer treatment-related cardiotoxicity. Guided by the CAN-IMPLEMENT© methodology, evidence from seven guidelines on heart failure was added to the original SPG. Eleven participants indicated the adapted SPG was comprehensive and easy to follow, and would be helpful for handling symptom calls from patients.