Patient guideline for non-pharmacological management of core symptom clusters in lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
- VernacularTitle:肺癌化疗核心症状群非药物管理患者指南
- Author:
Ruiqi XI
1
,
2
;
Lil ZHANG
1
,
2
;
Lin XIAO
1
,
2
;
Benxiang ZHU
1
,
2
;
Qi QIAN
1
,
2
;
Yuanyuan LUO
1
,
2
;
Jingxia MIAO
3
;
Peijuan CHEN
4
Author Information
1. School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P. R. China
2. JBI Evidence-based Nursing and Midwifery, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P. R. China
3. Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P. R. China
4. Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P. R. China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Lung cancer;
chemotherapy;
core symptom clusters;
non-pharmacological management;
patient guideline;
evidence-based nursing
- From:
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
2026;33(10):1515-1526
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective Patients with lung cancer often experience interrelated symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and sleep disturbances during chemotherapy, forming a core symptom cluster that significantly impacts daily functioning, treatment experience, and quality of life. Currently, evidence on non-pharmacological management of this core symptom cluster is scattered, and there is a lack of standardized, patient- and caregiver-friendly guidance tools that are easy to understand and implement. This patient guideline aims to provide decision support for self-management of the core symptom cluster in patients undergoing chemotherapy for lung cancer. Methods Guided by evidence-based methodology, qualitative interviews and on-site questionnaire surveys were conducted to identify the health-related needs of stakeholders. Domestic and international guideline websites, relevant professional association websites, and comprehensive databases were systematically searched according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The included literature was evaluated for quality, and recommendations were extracted, integrated, and graded to form a summary of the best evidence. Based on the identified health issues and evidence summary, preliminary recommendations for the patient guideline were developed. The recommendations were then revised through two rounds of Delphi expert consultation, and consensus was reached on the strength of recommendations, forming the final version of the patient guideline. Results The patient guideline covered four major sections: screening and assessment of core symptom clusters, daily management, intervention measures, and timing of referral. The core content included nine aspects: screening of core symptom clusters, assessment, lifestyle habits, dietary interventions, sleep environment, exercise interventions, psychological interventions, Traditional Chinese Medicine interventions, and referral indications. In total, the guidelines addressed 16 health issues and provided 25 recommendations. Conclusion The development process of this patient guideline is rigorous and fully considered the needs of patients. Expert review concludes that the recommendations are highly feasible and appropriate.
