Clinical update: prevention and management of oral mucositis in patients with cancer.

OBJECTIVES

To present a clinical update of evidence that applies to the development of a nursing plan of care for the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis related to cytotoxic therapy.

DATA SOURCES

Research studies, review articles, evidence-based guidelines, web-based material, and clinical experience.

CONCLUSION

Although high-level research evidence regarding mucositis remains limited, more is known now than at the time of the original article 4 years ago. Use of multiple types of evidence in developing a structured plan of care facilitates improved patient outcomes and the advancement of the current body of knowledge toward the shared health care professional goal of improved patient outcomes.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Nurses play a key role in the identification and use of evidence to guide the care of patients at risk for cytotoxic therapy-related oral mucositis.