State of the "Art" in Precision Health Symptom Science Research.

Abstract

Objectives: The purposes of this paper are to provide a historical perspective on precision health symptom science research; discuss current "conundrums" in precision health symptom science research, including gaps in knowledge and opportunities for growth; and highlight potential challenges that could impede the advancement of precision health symptom science research. The paper concludes with critical directions and recommendations for future research.

Methods: A narrative review of the literature on symptoms and symptom burden, across common medical conditions (ie, cancer, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, human immunodeficiency virus, type 2 diabetes mellitus, was conducted to provide information on salient topics associated with precision health symptom science research.

Results: This paper provides an overview of the field of precision health symptom science research. Some of the conundrums discussed include measurement of single and multiple symptoms; interindividual variability in persons' symptom experiences; the concept of "time" in the evaluation of symptoms; advantages and disadvantages of various analytic approaches; and the collection of "meaningful" data. Practical research examples and suggestions are included to guide the development and conduct of future studies.

Conclusions: The paper summarizes potential challenges and opportunities in precision health symptom science research. The final section of the paper provides a summary of critical directions and recommendations for future research.

Implications for nursing practice: Precision health symptom science is a relatively young field of scientific inquiry. However, the future of precision health symptom science research is both exciting and challenging. Knowledge gained in this field will result in the identification of risk factors for a higher symptom burden and the development and testing of personalized interventions to prevent and/or treat symptoms across one or more acute or chronic medical conditions.