Use of a Symptom Diary on Oncology Wards: Effect on Symptom Management and Recommendations for Implementation.

Background: Management of symptoms is essential in reducing the symptom burden of cancer patients. The effect of symptom diaries on symptom management to date has been evaluated only in ambulatory settings.

Objective: The aims of this study were to identify the key facilitators for successful implementation of symptom diaries on oncology wards from patients' and professionals' perspectives and to evaluate implementation outcomes.