European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society
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Comparative Study
Symptom prevalence and changes of symptoms over ten days in hospitalized patients with advanced cancer: a descriptive study.
This prospective study described symptom prevalence and changes of symptoms over ten days in patients with advanced cancer admitted to two Swiss tertiary care hospitals because of symptoms, deterioration of health status, or complications. ⋯ High symptom prevalence at admission, identification of areas in symptom management with the potential for improvement, and wide variability in symptom prevalence among patients call for comprehensive symptom assessment and individual treatment, especially in patients with a worsening health status.
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The diagnosis of lung cancer in the advanced stage of illness, the poor prognosis associated with the disease, and the side effects of chemotherapy all have an impact on various dimensions of quality of life (QoL). ⋯ Lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy suffer many limitations due to the symptoms and disruptions to their QoL, arising from both the disease process and its treatment. Lung cancer patients need to be assessed regularly and supported.
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To evaluate nursing practice in Flanders (Belgium) regarding skin care during radiotherapy and the effect of the introduction of an evidence based protocol on daily nursing practice. ⋯ The management of skin reactions does not always correspond with current scientific knowledge. However, the results of this study show that the dissemination and implementation of a skin care protocol enhanced standardization in Flanders, improved adheration to evidence based guidelines and lead to the disappearance of outdated ritualistic practices.
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The aim of this study was to 1) examine the occurrence and burden of side effects over time in the period after post surgical adjuvant radiotherapy in women with breast cancer and 2) explore the women's experiences of given information and need of support to handle side effects. ⋯ Nursing for women with breast cancer receiving adjuvant radiotherapy should focus on preventing and treating side effects, and also include the period post treatment. There is a need for developing evidence based guidelines including guidelines for follow-up.