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. 2011 Aug;27(3):203-10.
doi: 10.1016/j.soncn.2011.04.005.

Patient-reported symptoms and quality of life integrated into clinical cancer care

Donna L Berry  1
Affiliations

Patient-reported symptoms and quality of life integrated into clinical cancer care

Donna L Berry. Semin Oncol Nurs. 2011 Aug.

Abstract

Objectives: To provide an overview of research and practice related to patient-reported symptom and quality-of-life assessment integrated into clinical care.

Data sources: Literature retrieved through the PUBMED and CINAHL databases.

Conclusion: Assessing and incorporating patient preferences, engaging the patient in self-report, and extending the interaction to the place and time favored by the patient are necessary to bring meaning to the term "patient-centered." There is beginning evidence that these approaches can make a difference, improving care quality.

Implications for nursing practice: Oncology nurses no longer need to be constrained by paper symptom checklists. Patient-reported symptom and quality-of-life information can be electronically collected and simultaneously made available for home and clinical use through the utilization of Web-based programs.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Patient completing ESRA-C prior to clinic visit on wireless, touch-screen notebook computer
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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