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Article
Nurse-Delivered Telephone Intervention to Reduce Oral Mucositis and Prevent Dehydration
Oncology Nursing Forum (2021)
  • tracy ruegg, Kennesaw State University
Abstract
PROBLEM STATEMENT: This study evaluates the feasibility of a nurse-delivered telephone intervention to reduce oral mucositis severity and prevent dehydration in patients with lung or head and neck cancer undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy. DESIGN: This study used a two-phase, qualitatively driven, mixed-methods descriptive design. DATA SOURCES: 11 participants were recruited from an academic cancer center in southern Florida. Participants received symptom management education followed by twice-weekly tailored nurse coaching telephone calls. ANALYSIS: Questionnaires measuring symptom severity, health-related quality of life, perceived self-efficacy, and symptom self-management were administered at four data points. Data on unscheduled medical visits were collected. Guided interviews were conducted four weeks post-treatment and analyzed qualitatively using content analysis. FINDINGS: Participants found the intervention to be acceptable. Oral mucositis symptom severity was minimized, and dehydration was avoided. The intervention enabled symptom self-management and improved perceived self-efficacy. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Emotional support provided by the nurse was crucial, exemplifying improvement over an automated system.
Keywords
  • mucostitis,
  • cancer,
  • chemotherapy,
  • symptom,
  • dehydration
Publication Date
Spring March 1, 2021
Citation Information
tracy ruegg. "Nurse-Delivered Telephone Intervention to Reduce Oral Mucositis and Prevent Dehydration" Oncology Nursing Forum Vol. 48 Iss. 2 (2021) p. 242 - 256
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/tracy-ruegg/3/