Landers, M.,McCarthy, G. and Savage, E.

2013

August

Applied nursing research : ANR

A theoretical framework to guide a study of patients’ bowel symptoms and self-care strategies following sphincter-saving surgery for rectal cancer

Published

()

Theoretical framework, bowel symptoms, symptom management, self-care strategies.

23

3

157

159

A paucity of research is available on patients' bowel symptom experiences and self-care strategies following sphincter-saving surgery for rectal cancer. Most research undertaken to date on patients' bowel symptoms following surgery for rectal cancer has been largely atheoretical. The purpose of this paper is to describe the process of choosing a theoretical framework to guide a study of patients' bowel symptoms and self-care strategies following sphincter-saving surgery for rectal cancer. As a result of a thorough literature review, we determined that the Symptom Management Theory provided the most comprehensive framework to guide our research

Health Research Board

Grant of €232363 awarded in 2007 to undertake PhD study