Abstract
PROBLEM STATEMENT: The use of evidence-informed symptom guides has not been widely adopted in telephonic support. DESIGN: This is a descriptive study of nurse-led support using evidence-based symptom guides during telephone outreach. DATA SOURCES: Documentation quantified telephone encounters by frequency, length, and type of patient-reported symptoms. Nurse interviews examined perceptions of their role and the use of symptom guides. ANALYSIS: Quantitative data were summarized using univariate descriptive statistics, and interviews were analyzed using directed descriptive content analysis. FINDINGS: Symptom guides were viewed as trusted evidence-based resources, suitable to address common treatment-related symptoms. A threshold effect was a reported barrier of the guides, such that the benefit diminished over time for managing recurring symptoms. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Telephone outreach using evidence-based symptom guides can contribute to early symptom identification while engaging patients in decision making. Understanding nurse activities aids in developing an economical and high-quality model for symptom support, as well as in encouraging nurses to practice at the highest level of preparation.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | E199-E210 |
Journal | Oncology Nursing Forum |
Volume | 47 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 1 2020 |
Keywords
- evidence-based practice
- patient-centered care
- practice guidelines
- symptom management
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Oncology(nursing)