Recognizing and responding to post-traumatic stress disorder in people with cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To describe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients with cancer and identify nursing assessment and intervention strategies.


METHODS
Discussion of recent research literature in relation to oncology nursing practice.


RESULTS
4%-19% of patients with cancer experience symptoms of PTSD. When PTSD routinely is considered as a risk for patients with cancer, nurses can reframe intense psychological and physiologic reactions or patient distress as possible trauma reactions and implement appropriate interventions and referral.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with cancer may experience PTSD as a consequence of their cancer diagnosis, treatment, or a past traumatic episode. PTSD may interfere with patients' ability to tolerate treatment and return for crucial follow-up care. To date, no studies have explored interventions for PTSD in adult patients with cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
Oncology nurses can help patients with PTSD by interpreting psychological symptoms with the possibility of PTSD in mind, screening for PTSD across the illness trajectory, providing emotional support, teaching coping strategies, and advocating for further assessment, medical treatment, and appropriate referral within the multidisciplinary care team.
Kwekkeboom
Kristine L
KL
College of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA. kristine-kwekkeboom@uiowa.edu
Seng
Julia S
JS
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D009733:Nursing Diagnosis; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012106:Research; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control