Prevention and management of oral mucositis in patients with cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To review current evidence that applies to the development of a nursing plan of care for the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis related to cytotoxic therapy.


METHODS
Research studies, review articles, evidence-based guidelines, web-based material, and clinical experience.


CONCLUSIONS
Although high-level research evidence regarding mucositis is limited, use of multiple types of evidence in developing a structured plan of care facilitates improved patient outcomes and the advancement of the current body of knowledge.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses play a key role in the identification and use of evidence to guide the care of patients at risk for cytotoxic therapy-related oral mucositis.
Eilers
June
J
Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA. jeilers@nebraskamed.com
Million
Rita
R
D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*; D052016:Mucositis / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D009909:Oral Health