ASSESSMENT OF MULTIPLE CO-OCCURRING CANCER SYMPTOMS IN THE CLINICAL SETTING

OBJECTIVES: To discuss multiple co-occurring cancer symptoms, review symptom assessment instruments, identify innovative methods to integrate symptom assessment and management in the clinical setting, and examine barriers and facilitators for implementation of symptom assessment and use of clinical practice guidelines. DATA SOURCES: Peer-reviewed articles, guidelines, systematic reviews, and web-based resources. CONCLUSION: Despite the availability of brief, reliable, and valid instruments, symptom assessment has not been integrated as a routine aspect of clinical care. New technologies and changes in health policy provide an optimal environment to integrate electronic symptom assessment and management into cancer care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oncology nurses play a key role in early identification and management of distressing symptoms.