Managing complications in cancer: identifying and responding to the patient's perspective.
OBJECTIVE
To describe psychosocial problems experienced by cancer patients and present assessment tools to evaluate these issues and develop effective management programs.


METHODS
Published literature and clinical experience.


CONCLUSIONS
A screening program may identify patients needing psychologic evaluation and treatment and reduce distress for patients and caregivers.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of screening tools allows critical decisions to be made regarding treatment for patients with high levels of distress, fatigue, and other conditions.
Zabora
James R
JR
National Catholic School of Social Service, Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Ave, 102 Shahan Hall, Washington, DC 20064, USA.
Loscalzo
Matthew J
MJ
Weber
Jason
J
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009733:Nursing Diagnosis / Q000592:standards*; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*; D014481:United States