Purpose
This article aimed to review and summarize symptom literature to promote a comprehensive understanding of symptom science. Methods: An integrative review was conducted regarding symptom science with a particular focus on cancer symptoms. Results: Nursing theories that lead symptom science were reviewed. The importance of symptom assessment was highlighted. The current status of symptom science related to symptom mechanisms, symptom clusters, symptom management, and symptom outcomes was summarized. Conclusion: Nursing researchers need to develop expertise and facilitate collaborative multidisciplinary research to enhance symptom science. A comprehensive understanding of symptom experience and the application of valid research methodologies can advance symptom science.

Citations

• Symptom Clusters and Quality of Life in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
  Su-Yeon Hong, Yang-Sook Yoo
  Korean Journal of Adult Nursing.2021; 33(5): 498.     CrossRef

This study was conducted to develop and evaluate guidelines for cancer patients' symptoms management such as nausea/vomiting, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, and oral mucositis. Based on the literature review, assessment path to identify each stage of five symptoms were also developed. Guidelines for symptom management of each stage of the symptoms were developed. Guidelines then were evaluated by a panel of experts. Finally, 95 cancer patients were recruited and asked to use the guidelines for their symptom management Levels of understanding of and satisfaction with assessment path and management guidelines were surveyed. Prevalence rate of five symptoms varied ranging from 20% (diarrhea) to 47% (nausea/vomiting). Regarding the level of understanding of each symptom most of the cancer patients indicated that they were easy and sufficient. Regarding the easiness of use of the symptom management guidelines, most of cancer patients indicated that they were easy to use. Regarding the nursing intervention on each symptom, most of cancer patients indicated that they were easy and helpful. More information was added with feedback from the patients. The result of this study has implications on development of customized patient education materials based on assessment path and symptom management guidelines.