Clinical management of symptom clusters.

OBJECTIVES

To discuss the current evidence for the management of symptoms in clusters and future directions in symptom cluster management research.

DATA SOURCES

Research and review articles.

CONCLUSION

Currently no research has been reported on management of formally identified symptom clusters in oncology. Several researchers have described psychoeducational and exercise interventions that have decreased multiple concurrent symptoms. Understanding common biological mechanisms that underlie symptom clusters, such as inflammatory pathways, may suggest more effective treatments for symptom clusters.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Clinicians and researchers need to collaborate to better understand symptom clusters and develop effective interventions.