Putting evidence into practice: evidence-based interventions for anxiety

Abstract

Anxiety is a common form of distress that oncology nurses often observe in their patients. The incidence of anxiety may be as high as 50% in recently diagnosed patients and may persist into survivorship. How nurses respond to patients experiencing distress and anxiety influences further assessment of the patient's concerns, identification of anxiety, and the initiation of appropriate interventions. Evidence-based interventions are essential to improving outcomes for patients experiencing anxiety and directing future research. The authors of this article reviewed the evidence of effectiveness for different interventions to reduce anxiety in patients with cancer.