HOLISTIC/TREATMENTS

Kirsten Lee Johnson

Main Discussion Post:

Patients living with cancer can experience a wide variety of symptoms. A wide range of symptoms are debilitating to these patients each day. Symptoms can include anywhere from experiencing nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, fevers, pain, and so on. Healthcare professionals can offer different tools and ways to manage these patients' side effects so that they can have a good quality of life. Complementary and alternative therapies have been increasing across the world. These therapies have also come a long way in treating symptoms associated with a cancer diagnosis. Understanding the principles of symptom management may help optimize palliation and improve the overall quality of life (Shoemaker et al., 2011).

One challenge we face in the nursing role of providing alternative therapies for patient care is polypharmacy. Polypharmacy happens when a patient is on multiple medications associated with numerous adverse effects and outcomes. Cancer patients and older adults are typically the people we see with this. In the nursing role, it is essential to identify any adverse effects or potential medication reactions patients may be at risk for with being on multiple medications.

Nurses might integrate Complementary and Alternate Medicine (CAM) approaches in cancer symptom management. CAM therapies are used quite often in treating cancer symptoms. CAM therapies include anywhere from acupuncture, meditation, yoga, massage, and cannabis. Nurses should include CAM therapies in their assessments and patient’s current treatment plans to ensure that patients understand the safety and effectiveness of the treatments. After assessing the patient's wishes and beliefs on CAM therapies, nurses can provide the resources and education to patients and their families to promote these therapies, along with communicating and consulting with the health care team involved in the patient’s care. Ethical issues that could arise during CAM approaches could include religious/ cultural beliefs, poverty, costly alternative treatment, and safety concerns—also, being able to respect the patient's autonomy.

Nurses play a significant role in developing a care plan for cancer patients and managing their symptoms. Being able to reach patient’s desired outcomes and knowing their opinions on specific treatment options is also essential in developing a plan of care. Elements that could be included in a teaching plan involve providing education and guidance on modern medicine treatment options and alternative therapy options and assessing patients' beliefs and personal preferences. Prescribing regimens should be specific and straightforward; providers should consider the patient's age and fragility, the cost of treatment, and anticipated drug side effects that could arise during modern therapies, as well as CAM (Shoemaker et al., 2011). To ensure optimal care and treatment with few adverse effects, reassess your patient frequently, make one change at a time, and use rescue doses (Shoemaker et al, 2011). Shard roles of the nurse and patient in developing care is to be in direct communication with the patient and family. Making sure you are aware of their wishes, giving them advice when needed, making sure symptoms are controlled as best as possible, being active in their care, and actively listening to any concerns or needs. Nurses and patients can also exchange specific ideas to help develop care plans that are patient-focused and centered to achieve optional responses and care.

Reference:

         Shoemaker , L. K., Estfan, B., Induru, R., & Walsh, T. D. (2011, January).  Symptom management: An important part of cancer care. Retrieved May 7, 2023, from https://www.ccjm.org/content/ccjom/78/1/25.full.pdf