Symptom Management Theory

Researchers developed a conceptual model, The Symptom Management Theory, to support clinicians in their practice and researchers record three dimensions, symptoms, symptom management, and outcomes associated with suggested interventions (Cleve, Bossert, & Savedra, 2002). There are three areas of the SMT, domains of person, environment and health and illness, which aid in the identification of the most successful management strategies. Also, the standard framework can incorporate groups of symptoms that often arise simultaneously. Another benefit is that it is universal in nature; thus permitting it to be applied to all diseases. Incorporating the child’s development following each asthmatic episode was the primary method used to modify the original Symptom Management Theory. The concept of adherence has been expounded. Information exchange between clients and clinicians now includes communication between symptom experience and symptom management. Feedback has been inserted between outcomes and symptom experience.

The model is fastened in the realm of nursing geared to provide holistic care by including data from three domains. The person domain includes demographic, psychosocial, sociological, physical, social and cultural variables that might impact the symptom experience. Health and illness is a domain included in symptom management examining health history, disabilities, risk factors and injuries. The environment domain surveys physical, social, and cultural elements.

There are three components to the model 1) symptom experience 2.) components of symptom strategies and 3.) outcomes. Symptoms are subjective and are evaluated from the patient and support system’s perception of how life threatening or debilitating the symptom ...

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...at includes biologic, psychosocial, and health service utilization permits the most accurate course of symptom management. To better help the child relate symptoms the SMT was modified to include “communication” and “feedback”. Instead of a clinical led approach this framework includes time to teach and communicate. The patient and support system are taught signs and symptoms, terms, management methodologies, and related risk factors. Once the teaching is understood the symptoms can accurately be reported to health care providers. Accurate interpretations of what is being experienced by the patient guide the treatment to follow.

References

Van Cleve, L., Bossert, E., & Savedra, M. (2002). Scientific inquiry. Cancer pain in children: the selection of a model to guide research. Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing, 7(4), 163-165. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.