An integrative review of the theory of unpleasant symptoms

The aim of this study was to explore how the theory of unpleasant symptoms (TOUS) has been used in the methodological design and analysis of symptom research.An integrative review, using Whittemore and Knafl's approach.Searches were conducted between 26 January-10 February 2018. Databases included CINAHL Complete, PubMed, Proquest Nursing and Allied Health Source, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Academic Search Complete and Google Scholar.A systematic approach to searching, screening and analysing the literature was applied. The matrix method, content analysis, constant comparison, counting and clustering were used.Sixty-four records were included. Most studies were quantitative, cross-sectional, instrument-based and conducted in the USA. Various symptoms and patient populations were represented and each of the TOUS concepts were explored.Although the theory has a role to play in furthering symptom science, attention should be paid to the areas of the model and of symptom research that have received less attention. More complex statistical approaches and big data will help to illuminate symptom experiences. Additional focus on intervention studies and all symptom dimensions will help to advance symptom science research.This review is the first to provide a comprehensive, systematic summary of the uses of the TOUS across the research literature to date. This theory is a diverse, holistic middle-range theory capable of being applied to multiple symptoms and populations. Researchers should consider using the theory as a conceptual framework for studies to advance symptom science and explore symptoms holistically.目标: 本研究的目的是探讨不悦症状的理论 (不悦症状)已用于症状研究的方法设计和分析。 设计: 综合回顾,采用惠特莫尔和Knafl的方法。 资料来源: 2018年1月26日至2月10日进行搜索。 数据库包括护理学数据库、文献服务检索系统、护理学位论文文摘索引数据库和健康相关学科来源、健康之源:护理/学术版、完整学术搜索和谷歌学术搜索。 审核方法: 采用系统的方法对文献进行检索、筛选和分析。采用矩阵法、内容分析法、常数比较法、计数法和聚类法。 结果: 其中包括64项记录。大多数都是在美国进行的定量研究、横断面研究、仪器研究。表现不同的症状和患者群体并研究每个不悦症状的概念。 结论: 虽然该理论在促进症状科学的发展方面具有一定的作用,但仍应关注模型和症状研究中较少关注的领域。更复杂的统计方法和大数据将有助于阐明症状的经验。对干预研究和所有症状维度的额外关注将有助于促进症状科学研究。 影响: 这篇综述是第一次全面、系统地总结了不悦症状在迄今为止所有研究文献中的应用。该理论是一种多样化的、整体的中程理论,能够应用于多种症状和人群。 研究人员应考虑将该理论作为研究的概念框架,促进症状科学的发展,全面探索症状。.