Cancer patients with oral mucositis: challenges for nursing care

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: to analyze nursing care provided to cancer patients with oral mucositis based on the Nursing Process (NP). METHOD: this exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional and quantitative study was conducted with 213 patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in two cancer facilities: one philanthropic and one private service. RESULTS: the participants were mainly female, aged 45.8 years old on average, with up to 11 years of schooling and income of up to one times the minimum wage. Severe mucositis was related to chemotherapy associated with radiotherapy. Only 25.3% of the patients reported having received guidance from nurses during their treatment concerning self-care. The perceptions of patients regarding quality of care did not significantly differ between the private and public facilities. The basic human needs mainly affected were comfort, eating, and hygiene. Based on this finding, one NP was established listing the diagnoses, interventions and expected results to establish an ideal, though individualized, standard of nursing care to be provided to these patients. CONCLUSION: to understand oral mucositis is crucial to establish nursing care that includes prevention based on the implementation of an oral care plan.

Management of oral mucositis in pediatric patients receiving cancer therapy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…The occurrence of OM ranges from 40% to 76% in patients undergoing chemotherapy, which increases when chemotherapy is associated with radiation . It is plausible that children have a higher prevalence of OM than adults, which may be related to the rapid cell division found in this population .…”

Incidence of and risk factors for development of oral mucositis in outpatients undergoing cancer chemotherapy

“…In another study, it has been observed that oral care can reduce the severity and incidence of OM (Coracin et al, ). On the other hand, some reports have shown that oral problems are not adequately addressed in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, that these problems are inadequately treated due to being ignored by both doctors and nurses, and that there is a lack of nursing interventions for cancer patients who have oral mucositis (Araújo et al, ; Daniel, Damato, & Johnson, ; Honnor & Law, ). These circumstances may even be at more serious levels in the case of individuals receiving outpatient chemotherapy.…”

Nursing Care Towards Feeding Children Undergoing Chemotherapy Treatment: Collière’s Contributions / Cuidados de Enfermagem da Alimentação de Crianças em Quimioterapia: Contribuições de Collière

“…This finding is in line with literature recommending mouthwashes with solutions, such as bicarbonate, aimed at alleviating its symptoms. 17 Moreover, nursing guidelines on oral hygiene maintenance and how to do it is the most effective way to prevent this condition, 18 which was also evidenced in the study. Nonetheless, the definition of the severity criteria of the condition and the establishment of the risk classification to prioritize preventive measures, which are essential elements in this care, were not addressed by the participants.…”