ONLINE Special Article: Nursing care for patients with non-small cell lung cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy: Evidence–based implications for practice

Abstract

Oncology nurses provide care to patients and their families across the cancer care continuum including counselling patients on issues related to treatment completion, providing education directed towards the prevention of side effects, assessing and managing symptoms, and follow-up. Believing that a nursing-specific perspective related to these concerns was necessary to improve care for patients with resected, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, a nursing guidance report was initiated. This report was developed by utilizing evidence retrieved in a practice guideline report, general principles established by CANO/ACIO, Fitch’s supportive care model, and the clinical experiences of Lung DSG members. Evidence on the toxicity and adverse events that are caused by adjuvant chemotherapy and side effects and symptoms that are amenable to nursing intervention are highlighted and discussed.