title: The role of nursing in managing treatment-associated adverse effects in patients with hepatitis C.
abstract: The treatment for chronic hepatitis C with interferon and ribavirin is associated with a large number of untoward side effects ( Cornberg, Wedemeyer &, Manns, 2002). Management of these adverse effects has a great impact on the compliance of affected patients during the course of their treatment. Thus, the influence of the nurse on patient compliance and quality of life improvement during interferon and ribavirin treatment cannot be understated. Anecdotally, from the patient's point of view, the adverse effects of treatment often overshadow the goal of treatment, viral clearance. Nurses, as a result of their role as patient advocates, have the ability to enhance treatment compliance greatly by recognizing and managing treatment-associated side effects.
authors.affiliation: Loyola University Medical Center, 2160 South First Avenue, Building 114, Rm 48, Maywood, IL 60153, USA. Nleone1@lumc.edu
authors.forename: Nancy E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Leone
mesh_terms: D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011788:Quality of Life; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D012254:Ribavirin; D007372:Interferons