Assessment and measurement of oral mucositis.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the assessment and monitoring of mucositis and provide an overview of instruments available to assess or measure mucositis.


METHODS
Published journal articles, texts, and clinical experience.


CONCLUSIONS
The lack of consistent use of valid and reliable instruments for the assessment of mucositis have limited progress in the prevention and management of mucositis.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses play a key role in the assessment of oral cavity changes. Using valid and reliable measures will foster the ability to predict risk for mucositis and to test the effectiveness of protocols for its prevention and treatment.
Eilers
June
J
Department of Oncology/Hematology, The Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
Epstein
Joel B
JB
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D003945:Diagnosis, Oral / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D009061:Mouth Mucosa; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013280:Stomatitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents