The use of non-pharmacological nursing interventions on the comfort of cancer patients: A comprehensive systematic review protocol

Abstract

Review question/objective The objective of this review is to identify and synthesize the best available evidence on the experiences of cancer patients of non-pharmacological nursing interventions. More specifically, the review will focus on the following questions: Are non-pharmacological nursing interventions effective for increasing comfort in cancer patients? What are the experiences of cancer patients of non-pharmacological nursing interventions? Inclusion criteria Types of participants This review will consider studies that include cancer patients: 1) adult patients aged 18 years and older 2) patients receiving or not receiving pharmacological treatment 3) patients with any type or stage of cancer Types of intervention(s)/phenomena of interest Quantitative This review will consider studies that use non-pharmacological interventions for cancer patients which are implemented by nurses compared to usual care. These interventions may include, but not be limited to, guided imagery, relaxation, therapeutic touch, therapeutic humor, and massage. Qualitative This component of the review will consider studies that include the following phenomena of interest: the experiences of comfort by patients undergoing non-pharmacological nursing interventions in ambulatory care and hospital care. Types of outcomes Quantitative outcomes This review will consider studies that include the outcome “comfort” or another outcome related to this concept, measured by any comfort, pain, anxiety, depression, stress and fatigue scale.