Effectiveness of nursing interventions in preventing and treating radiotherapy side effects in cancer patients: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective: To synthesize the best available evidence on the effectiveness of nursing interventions in radiotherapy patient care and to summarize the evidence on the experience and acceptability of interventions reported by health professionals involved in the prevention and treatment of side effects. Method: A mixed-method systematic review. Quantitative and qualitative studies are presented. Results: Twelve studies published between 2013 and 2017 were included. Most interventions found focused on skin care, oral care, nausea and vomiting and nursing consultation. In accordance with high level of evidence and recommendation grade of the studies, the use of Calendula officinalis and thyme honey were considered effective for preventing and treating radiodermatitis and mucositis, respectively. Conclusion: The quality of evidence of nursing interventions is weak. Although there are studies with a strong design and a high level of evidence, publication of nursing interventions is not enough and does not present a high quality to support practice to plan an effective patient-centered care.

Radiodermatite: severidade, fatores preditivos e interrupção da radioterapia em pacientes com câncer anal e de reto

“…Essa afirmação se baseia em resultados de pesquisa que mostram o efeito positivo de tais intervenções (26)(27) . Revisão sistemática que avaliou a efetividade de intervenções de enfermagem para prevenir e tratar os efeitos colaterais da RT indicou que a consulta de enfermagem é uma importante intervenção na melhoria da comunicação com o paciente e da sua satisfação.…”

“…Revisão sistemática que avaliou a efetividade de intervenções de enfermagem para prevenir e tratar os efeitos colaterais da RT indicou que a consulta de enfermagem é uma importante intervenção na melhoria da comunicação com o paciente e da sua satisfação. Além disso, evidenciou a efetividade do uso da Calendula officinalis na prevenção da radiodermatite, aplicada no âmbito da consulta de enfermagem (26) .…”

Quality of life in women with breast cancer under radiotherapy

“…These results of this survey of QOL in women receiving radiotherapy for breast cancer reinforces the importance of professional monitoring of patients for adverse radiotherapy reactions. It also implies the needs for nurses to propose interventions to reduce these side effects and increase the QOL of patients with breast cancer (Abreu et al, 2021;Censabella et al, 2014;Kole et al, 2017).…”

Qualité de vie des femmes atteintes du cancer du sein traitées dans un centre de radiothérapie à Caruaru, Pernambuco, Brésil

“…Les résultats de la présente étude sur la QDV des femmes sous radiothérapie viennent renforcer l'importance du suivi professionnel pour déceler tout effet indésirable du traitement. Ils mettent aussi en évidence la nécessité pour les infirmières de proposer des interventions visant à réduire les effets secondaires et accroître la QDV des patientes atteintes du cancer (Abreu, Fraga, Giergowicz, Figueiró et Waterkemper, 2021;Censabella et al, 2014;Kole, Kole et Moran, 2017). conclusIon Les traitements de radiothérapie nuisent à la QDV des patientes atteintes du cancer du sein traitées dans nos établissements; ils causent des symptômes comme la douleur et la fatigue, qui gênent les activités quotidiennes et fragilisent la sécurité financière.…”