Exploring and informing the provision of nutrition advice to patients with cancer and healthcare professionals, with a focus on cancer survivorship

Abstract

Nutrition is an important component of supportive care for those with cancer. It is recognised by international nutrition societies that nutrition interventions can improve weight status, reduce length of hospital stay and improve quality of life, amongst other benefits for cancer patients. Despite this, nutrition is not always included as a standard part of cancer care.

This research encompassed a systematic review to identify healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) experiences of providing and patients’ experiences of receiving nutrition advice in the oncology setting, supplemented by largely quantitative explorations of current practices locally and nationally. Narrowing the focus to cancer survivorship, an extensive review of available European guidelines to guide clinical practice for HCPs was explored, alongside online nutrition resources likely to be found by cancer survivors when searching online. Following on, an intervention (Nutricare) was designed using the 5-model and piloted in oncology clinics in the United States of America. Finally, the Irish context was explored in depth, using qualitative and mixed-methods methodologies to aid the adaption of Nutricare for Ireland.

The findings presented contribute important insights into the provision of nutrition advice in oncology settings, with implications for knowledge translation efforts. Those with cancer would welcome guidance, however, it should be practical, specific, timely, consistent, and ideally from a dietitian. HCPs recognise the importance of nutrition but need support in the provision of this advice. Interventions addressing these needs are required, however, no one intervention mode or type was identified as preferred. The Nutricare intervention could be adapted for the Irish healthcare setting using findings from this research. Recent European and International position papers have called for nutrition interventions that are multidisciplinary and person-centred with input from both HCPs and patients to ensure appropriateness. The knowledge presented in this thesis will help inform the design and adaption of future nutrition interventions.

Date of Award	Jan 2024
Original language	English
Supervisor	Laura Keaver (Supervisor), Cherith Semple (Supervisor), Ciara Hughes (Supervisor), Jeffrey Hanna (Supervisor) & Lisa Ryan (Supervisor)