Coping strategies and interventions for cognitive changes in patients with cancer.

OBJECTIVES

To provide a comprehensive summary of the coping strategies and evidence-based interventions used to address cognitive impairment following cancer and cancer treatment.

DATA SOURCES

Review and synthesis of empirical articles.

CONCLUSION

Survivors identified a structured environment and validation of their cognitive concerns as essential to adjustment. Although interventional research is still limited, non-pharmacological approaches such as cognitive training programs show the greatest promise.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Oncology nurses must understand the available evidence and provide information and guidance to cancer survivors to address cognitive changes after cancer.