“An Approach to Understanding the Symptom Experience”
Elizabeth R. Lenz, PhD, RN
"An Approach to Understanding the Symptom Experience"
September 1, 2021
4-5 p.m.
Symptoms are complex and people experience them in many different ways. Individuals’ symptom experiences vary in intensity, timing, quality, and the degree of distress caused. They can be influenced by physiological, psychological and situational/environmental variables. In turn, symptoms have a profound impact on physical, cognitive and social role performance and on overall quality of life. This presentation will describe and provide evidence that has supported The Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms, developed to portray the nature and complexity of the symptom experience. The theory has guided studies in domestic and international patient and caregiver populations and has provided a model for patient care.