Clinical assessment of symptom clusters.
OBJECTIVE
To review the principles of symptom cluster assessment, choosing appropriate symptom measures, and methods to identify symptom clusters.


METHODS
Review articles, research articles, and specialty texts.


CONCLUSIONS
Identification of symptom clusters is clinically challenging and includes the use of reliable symptom assessment tools and clinical judgment. Evidence to guide assessment of symptom clusters is based on limited clinical research and expert practice. Additional research is needed to guide the accurate assessment of symptom clusters and the patient's symptom experience.


CONCLUSIONS
Comprehensive assessment of symptom clusters in individuals with cancer will lead to tailored, comprehensive symptom management strategies that may have a profound impact on cancer-related quality of life.
Lacasse
Cheryl
C
College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. clacasse@nursing.arizona.edu
Beck
Susan L
SL
D016000:Cluster Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy