Nursing Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Nursing, including details on health care, hospital staff, professional care.

The importance of assessment rating scales for chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis.

Jaroneski LA

William Beaumont Hospital, Troy, MI, USA. jaroneskil@macomb.edu

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To review the literature related to chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis and highlight four empirically supported oral mucositis rating scales that oncology nurses can use. DATA SOURCES: CINAHL and MEDLINE databases, published articles, and supplemental publications. DATA SYNTHESIS: Various oral mucositis rating scales have been developed; however, a lack of consensus exists regarding their use in clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: To date, standards of practice for the assessment of oral mucositis do not exist, yet clinical measures are necessary for oncology nurses to manage the side effect effectively. The selection of a valid and reliable rating tool is necessary for routine oral assessment and for facilitating optimal patient outcomes related to oral mucositis. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Knowing patient risk factors and the circumstances that exacerbate oral mucositis are keys to performing quality oral assessments. Oncology nurses should make performing oral assessments with a valid and reliable rating scale a priority. Further research regarding oral mucositis rating scales is needed.

Published 6 December 2006 in Oncol Nurs Forum, 33(6): 1085-90; quiz 1091-3.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Nursing Research Today. All Rights Reserved.