Clinical update: prevention and management of oral mucositis in patients with cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To present a clinical update of 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 remains limited, more is known now than at the time of the original article 4 years ago. 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 toward the shared health care professional goal of improved patient outcomes.


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.
Office of Nursing Research and Quality Outcomes, The Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA. jeilers@nebraskamed.com
June
J
Eilers
Rita
R
Million
D055318:Evidence-Based Nursing; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D009909:Oral Health; D012307:Risk Factors; D013280:Stomatitis / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016896:Treatment Outcome