Evaluation of outpatient cancer patients' use of nonpharmacological methods in the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate nonpharmacological methods in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting by outpatient cancer patients. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in the outpatient chemotherapy unit of Hafsa Sultan Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Manisa Celal Bayar University, with 251 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The study data were collected using the Patient Information Form and the Nausea Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results: Of the patients, 88% (n=221) experienced nausea and vomiting before chemotherapy. The mean score of these patients from the VAS was moderate (5.24 +/- 1.84). Of the patients, 82.1% (n=206) used nonpharmacological methods to prevent nausea and vomiting. According to their statements, of the patients who used nonpharmacological methods, 83.5% (n = 172) took hot and cold showers, 50.5% (n = 104) drank herbal teas, 35% (n = 72) had massage. Conclusion: The severity of nausea was moderate. Most of the patients used nonpharmacological methods. Of these methods, the one used most frequently was taking hot and cold showers. It is recommended that nurses should guide and encourage patients to use evidence-based nonpharmacological methods.