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. 2021 Jul-Sep;44(3):E93-E112.
doi: 10.1097/ANS.0000000000000347.

Symptom Management Theory: Analysis, Evaluation, and Implications for Caring for Adults With Cancer

Asha Mathew  1 , Ardith Z Doorenbos, Catherine Vincent
Affiliations

Symptom Management Theory: Analysis, Evaluation, and Implications for Caring for Adults With Cancer

Asha Mathew et al. ANS Adv Nurs Sci. 2021 Jul-Sep.

Abstract

A detailed analysis of Symptom Management Theory (SMT) along with its extent of use and implications for adults with cancer as demonstrated in 20 oncology research studies is reported. SMT provides useful guidance for adult oncology research and nursing practice. Theory dimension most researched in cancer was symptom experience. Although theory assertions were demonstrated in 80% of the studies, it was used to an adequate extent only in 35% of them. Comparisons between cancer-related clinical outcomes with and without use of SMT, certain theory modifications, and future SMT-based studies involving longitudinal designs in this population are warranted.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
PRISMA flowchart illustrating study selection process. SMT indicates Symptom Management Theory.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Symptom Management Model. From Dodd et al.(p670) Copyright 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Used with permission.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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