Processing Speed in Patients with Cancer: A Concept Analysis

Objectives

Processing speed is a cognitive domain and a crucial predictor of cognitive aging. It frequently deteriorates in patients with cancer, co-occurring with declines of other domains, including attention, executive function, and memory, and negatively impacts health outcomes. However, lack of clarity of the concept limits the development of precise assessments and effective nursing interventions to improve processing speed. Therefore, this concept analysis aims to thoroughly analyze and clarify processing speed with nuanced defining attributes, antecedents, and consequences in the cancer context.

Methods

Walker and Avant’s method was used. Records were identified from PubMed, CINAHL, and APAPsycINFO.

Results

Defining attributes of processing speed include the proficiency and speed to recognize given sensory stimuli, to make decisions based on the recognition, and to implement the decision with movement. Antecedents of processing speed include aging, brain connectivity, fine motor function, and health conditions, with cancer and cancer treatment. Consequences of processing speed include cognitive capability.

Conclusions

With the clarified concept of processing speed, assessment tools and nursing interventions can be refined to ensure comprehensively capturing its full scope and facilitating communication in the care of patients with cancer.

Implications for Nursing Practice

This analysis confirms processing speed is a critical domain of cognitive function in cancer care, requiring tailored assessment and intervention strategies. The findings highlight the need to update clinical nursing practices with refined tools to evaluate processing speed, enabling oncology nurses to implement targeted interventions that address cancer-related cognitive decline and enhance health outcomes of patients with cancer.