THE EFFECTS OF ACUPRESSURE ON CHEMOTHERAPY-RELATED SIDE EFFECTS IN CANCER PATIENTS

Abstract

Purpose: To develop evidence-based best practice recommendations for nursing and other healthcare providers to aid in alleviating side effects from chemotherapy in cancer patients. Background: Many cancer patients endure the grueling experience of chemothe rapy. Each session leaves them with debilitating side effects like nausea and vomiting, constipation, fatigue, and sleep disturbance. Acupressure techniques have been found to alleviate these side effects when performed routinely. Approach to Practice: The best practice recommendations are based on a literature review conducted through a search on PubMed and CINAHL with the following keywords: acupressure, cancer, and chemotherapy . The articles included in this search were published between 2014 and 2020. Eight articles were included in the literature review portion of this thesis. Outcomes: The proposed best practice recommendations are for nurses and other healthcare providers to reference when identifying potential candidates that techniques and practices. Conclusions: would benefit from acupressure As more research on acupressure is conducted and published, the guidelines can be more intricately defined and healthcare providers working to address the side effects of chemotherapy i interventions. n cancer patients can feel more confident in referring patients to acupressure