Karen Selwood1, Evelyn Ward, Faith Gibson. 1. Oncology Unit, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Eaton Road, Liverpool L12 2AP, UK. Karen.selwood@alderhey.nhs.uk
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The maintenance of an adequate nutritional intake is vital for the child or young person undergoing treatment for cancer. Inability to maintain nutrition can lead to poor tolerance of treatment, increased risk of infectious complications and a potential poorer overall outcome. Good nutritional support is vital however there does not appear to be a national or consistent approach to either nutritional support or assessment. PURPOSE: The Paediatric Oncology Nurses Forum of the Royal College of Nursing and the Paediatric Oncology Dieticians Interest Group surveyed practice in the 21 Children Cancer and Leukaemia Group Centres in the United Kingdom and Ireland with the express aim of reviewing current practice as a first stage towards developing national guidance for nutritional management. METHODS AND SAMPLE: Questionnaires designed to review nutritional assessment and nutritional interventions were distributed to both a nurse and dietician in each CCLG centre. The results were analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: There was a 100% return rate from nurses and 66% from dieticians. The results showed an inconsistent approach in both assessment methods and approaches to nutritional intervention for this group of patients. CONCLUSION: It is recognised that there is a need to adequately assess and provide appropriate nutrition for children and young people receiving cancer therapies. This survey highlights the inconsistencies in practice today as well as the need for consistent and useful guidance especially in the area of nutritional assessment and management of potential malnutrition.
BACKGROUND: The maintenance of an adequate nutritional intake is vital for the child or young person undergoing treatment for cancer. Inability to maintain nutrition can lead to poor tolerance of treatment, increased risk of infectious complications and a potential poorer overall outcome. Good nutritional support is vital however there does not appear to be a national or consistent approach to either nutritional support or assessment. PURPOSE: The Paediatric Oncology Nurses Forum of the Royal College of Nursing and the Paediatric Oncology Dieticians Interest Group surveyed practice in the 21 ChildrenCancer and Leukaemia Group Centres in the United Kingdom and Ireland with the express aim of reviewing current practice as a first stage towards developing national guidance for nutritional management. METHODS AND SAMPLE: Questionnaires designed to review nutritional assessment and nutritional interventions were distributed to both a nurse and dietician in each CCLG centre. The results were analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: There was a 100% return rate from nurses and 66% from dieticians. The results showed an inconsistent approach in both assessment methods and approaches to nutritional intervention for this group of patients. CONCLUSION: It is recognised that there is a need to adequately assess and provide appropriate nutrition for children and young people receiving cancer therapies. This survey highlights the inconsistencies in practice today as well as the need for consistent and useful guidance especially in the area of nutritional assessment and management of potential malnutrition.
Authors: Emma C Hamilton; Thomas Curtin; Rebecca S Slack; Christine Ge; Austen D Slade; Andrea Hayes-Jordan; Kevin P Lally; Mary T Austin Journal: J Pediatr Hematol Oncol Date: 2017-10 Impact factor: 1.289
Authors: Alexandra Podpeskar; Roman Crazzolara; Gabriele Kropshofer; Benjamin Hetzer; Bernhard Meister; Thomas Müller; Christina Salvador Journal: Nutrients Date: 2021-05-26 Impact factor: 5.717