ONS Connect - July 2008 - (Page 20)

fivEmiNUTEiNSErviCE As seen in THe OncOlOgy nursing FOrum Computerized System Standardizes Symptom Assessment and Management [By elisa Becze, BA, ONS Staff Writer] S ymptom assessment is an important component of providing quality cancer care. However, research has shown that patient- and provider-related barriers may prevent sufficient symptom assessment. Not only do some patients not inform their providers about the symptoms they are experiencing, but providers may not accurately document the symptoms that patients do report. According to Carpenter et al. (2008), the solution may be a computerized system that would standardize assessment, documentation, and management of patient symptoms. Studies have shown that computerized systems are as reliable as paper assessments and require similar time to complete. Patient responses to the systems have been favorable. As such, Carpenter et al. (2008) set out to develop and test a computerized system for assessing and managing patient symptoms. The results of their study were reported in the July 2008 issue of the Oncology Nursing Forum. Computerized System The study was conducted at a National Cancer Institute–designated comprehensive cancer center in the midwestern United States that serves urban and rural patients. The computerized system was tested at three separate time points. A sample of 80 outpatients receiving chemotherapy completed all three as- key Definitions Computerized symptom assessment: a system by which patients and healthcare providers record patients’ symptoms using a computer rather than a traditional paper tool Stylus: a pen-like tool used to digitally “write” on a device such as a tablet computer or personal digital assistant Touch-screen tablet computer: a laptop or notebook computer in which the pressure-responsive screen is visible in the closed position, enabling it to be used with an accompanying stylus Five-Minute In-Service is a monthly feature that offers readers a concise recap of a full-length article published in the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing or Oncology Nursing Forum (ONF). This edition summarizes “Oncology Outpatient and Provider Responses to a Computerized Assessment System” by Janet S. Carpenter, PhD, RN, Susan Rawl, PhD, RN, Jennifer Porter, MSN, RN, Karen Schmidt, MSN, RN, Jennifer Tornatta, BSN, RN, Foluso Ojewole, MSN, RN, Paul Helft, MD, David A. Potter, MD, PhD, Christopher Sweeney, MD, and R. Brian Giesler, PhD, which is featured in the July 2008 issue of ONF. Questions regarding the information presented in this Five-Minute In-Service should be directed to the ONF editor at ONFEditor@ons.org. Photocopying of this article for educational purposes and group discussion is permitted. 20 ONS CONNECT July 2008

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ONS Connect - July 2008 Contents Editor's Note Just In Technologic Advancements in Cancer Care A Year in the Life - Month Seven Web Connect Capitol Connection Notice Nursing Now Caregiver Care Computerized System Standardizes Symptom Assessment and Management Nanotechnology Treats Cancer at the Atomic Level Rise in Mastectomies May Be Linked to Increased Use of MRI Detection Working for You Calendar of Events Staying on Top

ONS Connect - July 2008

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