Symptom Clusters in Patients With Brain Tumors Undergoing Proton Beam Therapy.

Symptom Clusters in Patients With Brain Tumors Undergoing Proton Beam Therapy. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2019 May 01;46(3):349-363 Authors: Langegård U, Johansson B, Bjork-Eriksson T, Fransson P, Ohlsson-Nevo E, Sjövall K, Ahlberg K Abstract OBJECTIVES: To explore symptom clusters during proton beam therapy in patients with primary brain tumors and investigate associations among symptom clusters, demographic variables, and comorbidity in this patient population. SAMPLE & SETTING: Data were collected from 187 adult patients with primary brain tumors during their treatment periods in the Skandion Clinic in Uppsala, Sweden. Symptoms were assessed with the Radiotherapy-Related Symptoms Assessment Scale, and comorbidity was evaluated with the Self-Administered Comorbidity Questionnaire. METHODS & VARIABLES: The study used a quantitative and longitudinal design. Exploratory factor analysis was used to determine the underlying structure of symptom clusters. RESULTS: Three clusters were identified. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Building knowledge about how these symptoms interact and are clustered will support healthcare professionals to more efficiently relieve symptom clusters during proton beam therapy. PMID: 31007260 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Oncology Nursing Forum - Category: Nursing Authors: Tags: Oncol Nurs Forum Source Type: research