Introduction

Using SMART design to improve symptom management strategies among cancer patients

An increasing number of cancer patients turn to complementary therapies for symptom management. Despite the high needs for symptom care, patients undergoing cancer treatment have limited choices, given their unique needs. Consequently, there is a growing desire for personalized care to customize treatments to best serve the individual. The purpose of this study was to improve symptom management for cancer patients by individualizing care using reflexology and meditative practices, conducted with a friend or family caregiver. Our multi-staged interventions used the sequential multiple assignment randomized trial (SMART) design.