Instruments on symptom clusters in adult patients with hematological malignancies: A scoping review

Abstract

Abstract Background Patients diagnosed with hematological malignancies usually experience multiple symptoms. Assessment is the key point of symptom management. Therefore, an applicable and feasible instrument is vital.Methods A search was performed in these databases: PubMed, CINAHL complete, Web of Science, China HowNet Periodical Databank, WanFang Data. All identified citations were uploaded into EndNote X9 software and duplicates removed. Data extracted from the included studies were mapped. Results were reported in consistent with PRISMA-ScR guidelines.Results Of the 410 articles searched through, 58 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 13 instruments of symptom clusters-related hematological malignancy were identified, including seven generic instruments and six specific-disease instruments. Majority instruments did not have theoretical framework. Besides, emotional and cognitive components were absent from several instruments. There was a lack of the large-scale psychometric tests on most instruments.Conclusions It is vital to select an available instrument to measure symptom clusters. However, a paucity of the large-scale psychometric tests and theoretical framework create the challenges in choosing amongst the tools available.