Sahin, Z.A., & Erguney, S. (2016). Effect on symptom management education receiving patients of chemotherapy. Journal of Cancer Education, 31, 101–107.
To examine the effect of a planned educational program on symptom control
Patients were randomly assigned to the education or waitlist control/usual care group. The educational intervention consisted of face-to-face educational sessions prior to each chemotherapy cycle provided to patients, caregivers, and family members. Symptom management education, support, and opportunity for discussion were provided.
PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment
Randomized, controlled trial
Not specified
The prevalence of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and difficulty sleeping were significantly lower after the intervention in the education group (p < 0.001), whereas the prevalence of these symptoms increased in the control group.
The findings suggest that an educational intervention can be beneficial in managing symptoms related to cancer treatment.
Patient education may be helpful in managing symptoms during cancer treatment. Education is necessary but may not be sufficient for symptom control.