Objectives

To review and summarize psychological and financial distress in adults with acute leukemia and provide evidence-based methods that nurses can apply to alleviate distress experienced by patients.

Data sources

Oncology and palliative care literature published over the past decade.

Conclusion

Current evidence supports the efficacy of psychosocial interventions to improve psychological well-being and reduce distress for adults undergoing treatment for leukemia.

Implications for nursing practice

Nurses play a critical role, not only in identifying patients who are experiencing impaired psychological well-being and high levels of distress, but also in providing prompt support to these patients.