Effect of Educational Guidelines on Reducing Chemotherapy Induced Oral Mucositis Based on Patients`Needs Assessment

Abstract

Chemotherapy has long been used for cancer treatment and is considered to be one of the most effective anticancer treatment strategies. Nevertheless, a chemotherapy regimen often results in a variety of adverse side effects that reduce the quality of life (QOL) of the patients. One of the most common adverse effects associated with chemotherapy is oral mucositis. It is a lesion present as erythema and ulceration of the non-keratinized mucosa. Although the condition is self-limiting, it can impact on the delivery of optimal cancer treatment, since it is associated with clinically significant pain, compromised nutrition, speech impediment, prolonged hospitalization, and antineoplastic dose reductions and may develop to become a serious risk for the development of life-threatening infections such as bacteremia and septicemia. Therefore, the prevention and management of chemotherapy induced oral mucositis is a critical part of the nursing job (Janice & Kerry, 2018).

Aim of the study: This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of educational guidelines on reducing chemotherapy induced oral m