Theory of unpleasant symptoms

Introduction: Healthcare professionals often approach symptoms in terms of their clinical manifestations. The theory of unpleasant symptoms stems from an approach aimed at providing holistic management of the symptom experience, while recognizing the uniqueness of each individual experience.

Context: This article is the result of an initiative to make nursing theories more accessible in French. Objectives: It presents the theory of unpleasant symptoms and illustrates its relevance to practice. Method: We have consulted several articles and book chapters written by the authors of the unpleasant symptoms theory to identify their fundamental ideas. Results: The theory of unpleasant symptoms is based on three main concepts: symptoms, influencing factors, and performance outcomes in patients. It encourages an approach that goes beyond the purely physical dimension of symptoms, taking into account the psychological and situational factors specific to each individual, as well as the repercussions on biopsychosocial functioning. Discussion: The theory of unpleasant symptoms emphasizes adapting nursing assessments to the specific needs of those receiving care, integrating the complex interactions between different symptoms and influencing factors.