Evidence-based nursing report – radiotherapy for patients with cancer

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SBU Evidence map

Systematically evaluates the quality of systematic reviews in a particular field for the purpose of identifying reliable evidence and gaps in scientific knowledge. SBU Evidence Maps are generated with the help of experts in the field. Prior to publication, maps are examined by independent experts, as well as our quality and priority group and SBU’s Scientific Advisory Committees.

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Published: Report no: EVO 1

Assessment Objectives

SBU and SSF, (The Swedish Nursing Association), are jointly publishing a series of reports aimed at identifying the impact which SBUs scientific reports have on nursing and on the work of nurses. The first in this series of reports addresses nursing in radiotherapy for patients with cancer.

Assessment Strategy

Systematic literature review with quality assessment of studies.

Primary Data Collection

Randomized, controlled studies have been included where available. In other areas, a broader selection of studies have been included.

Data Criteria; Type of Studies Included

Medline, Nurseline, CINAHL, NHS, and the Cochrane Library have been included. Search period: 1993-1997 (June) using the keywords radiotherapy and nursing.

Review of Publications

Committee of experts conducted the external review.

Report Contents

Patients receiving radiotherapy need information about treatment, psychosocial support, and help in managing side effects that result from treatment. Documented side effects include fatigue, skin and hair reactions, loss of appetite, throat problems, difficulties swallowing, mouth dryness, coughing, disorders of the urinary tract and gastrointestinal tract, and sexual dysfunction. There are only a few randomized controlled studies that assess the effects of various nursing interventions aimed at treating these side effects.

Project group

  • Forsberg C
  • Wengström Y
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