Zhao, I., & Yates, P. (2008). Non-pharmacological interventions for breathlessness management in patients with lung cancer: A systematic review. Palliative Medicine, 22(6), 693-701.
DOI Link
Purpose
The objective of the article was to review studies that evaluated nonpharmacologic interventions for breathlessness management in patients with lung cancer.
Search Strategy
Databases searched were Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, Ovid, EBSCO Host as a search engine for CINAHL, Pre-CINAHL (2007), Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, and MEDLINE (all searched 1990-July 2007).
Search keywords were breathlessness, dyspnea, management, interventions, treatment, non-pharmacological, and lung cancer.
Nonpharmacologic interventions for breathlessness in patients with lung cancer were included.
Pharmacologic interventions for breathlessness, studies that did not include patients with lung cancer, descriptive studies, and studies not published in English literature were excluded.
Literature Evaluated
One hundred sixty-nine abstracts were retrieved, 15 articles were reviewed, and five studies ultimately were included. Studies were eliminated based on selection criteria. Standardized abstraction procedures were used to evaluate included studies.
Sample Characteristics
A total of 370 patients were in the five studies included [Corner (20), Bredin (103), Connors (14) , Hately (30), Moore (203)].
Results
All studies included behavioral, psychological, and educational interventions, although the method of delivery varied between studies.
Conclusions
Evidence is moderately strong to suggest benefit of a counseling and supportive educational intervention to alleviate breathlessness in patients with lung cancer. While all studies showed benefit with a multicomponent nonpharmacologic intervention approach, whether all components are warranted or whether one component is more/less effective than another is inconclusive.
Limitations
Studies were limited by small sample size or high attrition rates.
Nursing Implications
Nurses should consider providing support and counseling for breathing techniques, relaxation, and breathing retraining in patients with breathlessness and lung cancer.