Malnutrition predicts poorer clinical outcomes for people with cancer. Older adults with cancer are a complex, growing population at high risk of weight-losing conditions. A number of malnutrition screening tools exist, however the best screening tool for this group is unknown. The aim was to systematically review the published evidence regarding markers and measures of nutritional status in older adults with cancer (age ≥ 70). A systematic search was performed in Ovid Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, British Nursing Database and Cochrane CENTRAL; search terms related to malnutrition, cancer, older adults. Titles, abstracts and papers were screened and quality-appraised. Data evaluating ability of markers of nutritional status to predict patient outcomes were subjected to meta-analysis or narrative synthesis. Forty-two studies, describing 15 markers were included. Meta-analysis found decreased food intake was associated with mortality (OR 2.15 [2.03–4.20] p = < 0.00001) in univariate analysis. Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) was associated with overall survival (HR 1.89 [1.03–3.48] p = 0.04). PNI markers (albumin, total lymphocyte count) could be seen as markers of inflammation rather than nutrition. There a suggested relationship between very low body mass index (BMI) (<18 kg/m2) and clinical outcomes. No tool was identified as appropriate to screen for malnutrition, as distinct from inflammatory causes of weight-loss. Risk of cancer-cachexia and sarcopenia in older adults with cancer limits the tools analysed. Measures of food intake predicted mortality and should be included in clinical enquiry. A screening tool that distinguishes between malnutrition, cachexia and sarcopenia in older adults with cancer is needed.

Background: Despite recommendations for nutritional risk screening of all inpatients, outpatients and care home residents, as well as work to assess clinician's experiences and the validity of tools, little attention has been paid to the experiences of patients undergoing nutritional screening. This review aims to synthesise systematically the current evidence regarding nutritional risk screening with respect to the experiences and views of patients, their families and carers.Methods: A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE, Embase, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science and British Nursing Database (inception -July 2019); with screening terms related to malnutrition, screening tools and experience. Titles, abstracts and full-text papers were independently reviewed by two reviewers and then quality-appraised. Qualitative papers and quantitative surveys were included. A narrative review of surveys and a thematic framework synthesis of interviews were used to identify themes.Results: Nine studies, including five qualitative interview papers, were included.Qualitative and quantitative study results were combined using a matrix chart to allow comparison. Surveyed participants reported processes of nutritional screening as acceptable. Three key themes emerged from qualitative data: (i) experience of nutritional screening; (ii) misunderstanding of malnutrition: of causes, role of screening and poor self-perception of risk; and (iii) barriers to and opportunities for change.Conclusions: Although the screening process is acceptable, patients' misunderstanding and poor knowledge regarding causes and consequences of malnutrition result in reduced risk perception and disbelief or disregard of nutritional screening results. Findings should inform policy and clinical practice, as well as highlight the known paucity of data regarding the effectiveness of screening on clinical outcomes.

Background: Older adults with cancer are a growing population requiring tailored care to achieve optimum treatment outcomes. Their care is complicated by under-recognised and under-treated wasting disorders: malnutrition, sarcopenia, and cachexia. We aimed to investigate the prevalence, overlap, and patients’ views and experiences of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and cachexia, in older adults with cancer. Methods: Mixed-methods study with cross-sectional study and qualitative interviews. Interviews were thematically analysed through a phenomenological lens, with feedback loop analysis investigating relationships between themes and findings synthesised using modified critical interpretative synthesis. Findings: n=30 were screened for malnutrition, sarcopenia, and cachexia, n=8 completed semi-structured interviews. 18 (60.0%) were malnourished, 16 (53.3%) sarcopenic, and 17 (56.7%) cachexic. One or more condition was seen in 80%, and all three in 30%. In univariate analysis, Rockwood clinical frailty score (OR 2.94 [95% CI:1.26–6.89, p=0.013]) was associated with sarcopenia, reported percentage meal consumption (OR 2.28 [95% CI:1.24–4.19, p=0.008]), and visible wasting (OR 8.43 [95% CI:1.9–37.3]) with malnutrition, and percentage monthly weight loss (OR 8.71 [95% CI:1.87–40.60]) with cachexia. Screening tools identified established conditions rather than ‘risk’. Nutritional and functional problems were often overlooked, overshadowed, and misunderstood by both patients and (in patients’ perceptions) by clinicians; misattributed to ageing, cancer, or comorbidities. Patients viewed these conditions as both personal impossibilities, yet accepted inevitabilities. Conclusion: Perceptions, identification, and management of these conditions needs to improve and their importance recognised by clinicians and patients so those truly ‘at risk’ are identified whilst conditions are more remediable to interventions.

Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder and affects people of all ages; however, at least 40% of children will continue to have seizures into adulthood. Children and youth with epilepsy (CYE) experience neurologic and extraneurologic changes that can negatively impact self-management skills necessary for optimal adult function. Those with intellectual disability have additional transition challenges. Improving the medical transition process for all CYE is vital and necessary. In this article, we will review some of the biologic, behavioral, psychologic, therapeutic, and social considerations for CYE complicating transition. We will then describe general approaches to transitioning CYE to adult care, specifically methods involving creating a framework with overarching transition aims in place, and share our experience at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia implementing these approaches. Our comprehensive model for a formal transition policy, team structure, and ongoing assessment supporting CYE transitioning into adult care is a practical program that can be integrated into clinical care. Proper investment in the transition process will translate into measurable, significant long-term benefits for all involved.