OBJECTIVES: To review current evidence that applies to the development of a nursing plan of care for the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis related to cytotoxic therapy. DATA SOURCES: Research studies, review articles, evidence-based guidelines, web-based material, and clinical experience. CONCLUSION: Although high-level research evidence regarding mucositis is limited, use of multiple types of evidence in developing a structured plan of care facilitates improved patient outcomes and the advancement of the current body of knowledge. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses play a key role in the identification and use of evidence to guide the care of patients at risk for cytotoxic therapy-related oral mucositis.
OBJECTIVES: To review current evidence that applies to the development of a nursing plan of care for the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis related to cytotoxic therapy. DATA SOURCES: Research studies, review articles, evidence-based guidelines, web-based material, and clinical experience. CONCLUSION: Although high-level research evidence regarding mucositis is limited, use of multiple types of evidence in developing a structured plan of care facilitates improved patient outcomes and the advancement of the current body of knowledge. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses play a key role in the identification and use of evidence to guide the care of patients at risk for cytotoxic therapy-related oral mucositis.