A Framework for Symptom Assessment (Palliative)

Chapter 7: A Framework for Symptom Assessment

Description:

Symptom control is a key component of comprehensive palliative care, and is a major emphasis of this book. This chapter aims to provide a generic framework for the assessment and understanding of symptoms in advanced disease. The chapter emphasises an integrated approach, recognising that various symptoms are often related. Unfortunately, most symptoms and their management are studied individually and understanding of this relationship is therefore currently limited, underscoring the need for further research in this area.

Topics:

• Introduction
• Defining symptoms
• Symptom occurrence versus symptom distress
• The problem of symptoms in advanced disease
• Symptom assessment framework
  • Difference between occurrence and experience
  • Symptom occurrence
    • Assessing symptom occurrence by questioning
    • Assessing symptom occurrence by physical examination
  • Assessing symptom distress
    • The meaning of a symptom
    • Effect on daily living
    • Level of distress
• Clarifying goals of treatment

Author / Speaker:

Sanchia Aranda
Sanchia is professor and director of cancer nursing research at Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute, Melbourne (Victoria, Australia). She has worked in cancer care since 1979, predominantly in the tertiary sector since 1990. Her research interests include cancer and palliative nursing in both inpatient and community settings, especially in the area of supportive care. Her research, both quantitative and qualitative, concentrates on implementing evidence into clinical practice, especially in improving the delivery of health services and the outcomes for people with cancer and their families. Current studies include workforce planning in breast care, the support needs of women with advanced cancer, symptom interventions in pain and fatigue, prevention of oral mucositis, and care of people suffering bodily decay.

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