Perceived Self-Efficacy: A Concept Analysis for Symptom Management in Patients With Cancer

Background: Perceived self-efficacy (PSE) for symptom management plays a key role in outcomes for patients with cancer, such as quality of life, functional status, symptom distress, and healthcare use. Definition of the concept is necessary for use in research and to guide the development of interventions to facilitate PSE for symptom management in patients with cancer.

Objectives: This analysis will describe the concept of PSE for symptom management in patients with cancer.

Methods: A database search was performed for related publications from 2006–2016. Landmark publications published prior to 2006 that informed the concept analysis were included.

Findings: Greater PSE for symptom management predicts improved performance outcomes, including functional health status, cognitive function, and disease status. Clarification of the concept of PSE for symptom management will accelerate the progress of self-management research and allow for comparison of research data and intervention development.