Measures and Methods for Symptom and Symptom Cluster Assessment in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer

Semin Oncol Nurs. 2015 Aug;31(3):206-15. doi: 10.1016/j.soncn.2015.05.002. Epub 2015 May 7.

Abstract

Objectives: To provide an overview of resources for measuring symptoms and symptom clusters in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer and to examine methodological strategies for evaluating symptom clusters.

Data sources: Published research articles and clinical experience.

Conclusion: Limited research has addressed symptoms and symptom clusters in AYAs with cancer. Reliable, valid, and developmentally appropriate measures are needed to advance this area of research.

Implications for nursing practice: Use of mobile technology and mixed qualitative and quantitative methods to understand AYAs' experience of symptoms and symptom clusters could enhance symptom awareness and the evidence base for practice.

Keywords: Symptom assessment; adolescent and young adult oncology; statistical methods; symptom clusters.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Neoplasms / nursing
  • Oncology Nursing / organization & administration
  • Symptom Assessment*
  • Young Adult