Structured Assessment
Structured assessment involves the incorporation of standardized assessment tools into usual care practices in order to provide staff with quantitative data on patient outcomes. The effects of this approach on patient and caregiver outcomes has been examined in the topics of depression and caregiver strain and burden
Steroid for Bone Flare Pain
Steroids are a type of compound that contain characteristic chemical structures and have anti-inflammatory properties. Systemic administration of steroids has been examined for its effect on bone flare pain, a temporary acute response that can occur as a side effect of radiotherapy treatment for bone metastases.
STEPP Protocol
STEPP (Skin Toxicity Evaluation Protocol With Panitumumab) refers to a set combination of interventions aimed at the prevention of skin toxicity. The protocol began a day prior to chemotherapy administration and comprised skin moisturizer used daily, sunscreen (sun protection factor [SPF] ≥ 15 with both ultraviolet A [UVA] and ultraviolet B [UVB] protection) applied prior to going outdoors, topical steroid applied to various skin areas at bedtime, and doxycycline 100 mg taken BID.
Stellate Ganglion Block
This procedure is an injection of anesthetic into the area of the stellate ganglion for treatment of neuropathies and pain in upper extremity, thorax, face, or neck. The mechanism of action of the stellate ganglion block is not completely clear, but it is thought to work by producing peripheral vasodilation, resulting in neural inhibition in the ganglion's sphere of innervations (Lipov et al., 2008). The procedure has been studied for the management of hot flashes and sleep-wake disturbances.
Staff Training
Staff training involves education of individuals involved in delivery of care in various content and procedures. Staff training aimed at various aspects of care has been evaluated for its effect on patient outcomes in patients with cancer, such as prevention of infection. Staff training is necessary and recommended by various guidelines for infection prevention, but evidence suggests that training alone is not sufficient to improve outcomes.
Spiritual Interventions
Spiritual interventions are approaches that involve religious or existential aspects such as finding meaning and purpose in life. Spiritual interventions may include activities such as spiritual counseling, meaning-focused meditation, or psychotherapy. Religiously oriented spiritual interventions include activities such as prayer, worship, and religious rituals. Spiritual interventions have been studied for their effects on anxiety and depression among patients with cancer.
Soy
Soy, a plant in the pea family, has been common in Asian diets for thousands of years. It is found in modern American diets as a food or food additive. Soybeans, the high-protein seeds of the soy plant, contain isoflavones—compounds similar to the female hormone estrogen. Some studies suggest that soy isoflavone supplements may reduce hot flashes in women after menopause. The safety of long-term use of soy isoflavones has not been established. Soy has been studied as an intervention for hot flashes in patients with cancer.
Sound Wave and Vacuum Treatment
Sound wave and vacuum treatment consists of an electro-medical device that uses both electro-sound waves and vacuum mechanisms. The device generates low-frequency, low-intensity microcurrents, and electrodes generate vacuum action.
Sorbitol
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that has been used as a nonstimulant, osmotic-type laxative. Ingestion draws water into the bowel lumen by osmosis, stimulating bowel movement. Sorbitol has been evaluated in patients with cancer for the management of constipation.
Sodium Sucrose Octasulfate (Na SOS)
Sodium sucrose octasulfate is a chemical compound. A similar compound, aluminum sucrose octasulfate (sucralfate), has been used clinically for the prevention of gastrointestinal ulcers and was found to have cytoprotective effects. The sodium and aluminum compounds are contents of various cosmetics for skin care. Sodium sucrose octasulfate was evaluated in patients with cancer for the prevention and management of radiodermatitis.