Affiliation:
1. Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences
Abstract
Abstract
Aim and objectives:
The aim of this study was to describe the numbers, types, and trajectory of symptom clusters during the perioperative period in gastrointestinal cancer patients at four different time points. The study also aimed to identify the changes and consistency of these symptom clusters over time.
Design:
This was a longitudinal study.
Methods
This study conducted at a tertiary cancer hospital involving 205 gastrointestinal cancer patients. The M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory Gastrointestinal Cancer Module was used to assess the incidence and severity of symptom clusters. Exploratory factor analysis was employed to extract the symptom clusters.
Results
The study identified four symptom clusters in gastrointestinal cancer patients during the perioperative period: gastrointestinal symptom cluster, physical symptom cluster, psychological symptom cluster, and sleep disturbance symptom cluster. These clusters were observed across two to four time points.
Conclusion
The findings of this study provide scientific evidence for medical staff and researchers to gain a better understanding of the symptom experiences of gastrointestinal cancer patients during the perioperative period. This knowledge can be valuable in developing individualized symptom management interventions.
Relevance to clinical practice
: Gastrointestinal cancer patients suffered from various symptom clusters and lasted from day before surgery to one month after surgery, which should be paid attention by clinical staff.
Publisher
Research Square Platform LLC