Co-design of a cancer nutrition care pathway by patients, carers, and health professionals: the CanEAT pathway

Abstract

Purpose Limited practical resources exist to guide optimal nutrition care for patients, carers, and health professionals (HPs). This study aimed to co-design a cancer nutrition care pathway to guide and improve the provision of consistent, evidence-based care with consumers and HPs. Methods This study utilised an experienced-based co-design (EBCD) approach over five stages. Stage 1 involved stakeholder engagement and a literature review. Stage 2 included a survey and focus groups with patients/carers. Co-design workshops were conducted within stage 3, key stakeholder consultation within stage 4, and the finalisation and dissemination of the cancer nutrition care pathway formed stage 5. Results of stages 3 to 5 are the focus of this paper. Results Two co-design workshops were held with patients, carers, and HPs (n = 32 workshop 1; n = 32 workshop 2), who collectively agreed on areas of focus and key priorities. Following this, a consultation period was completed with patients, carers, and HPs (n = 45) to refine the pathway. The collective outcome of all study stages was the co-design of a cancer nutrition care pathway (the CanEAT pathway) defining optimal cancer nutrition care that combines evidence-based practice tips into a centralised suite of resources, tools, and clinical guidance. Conclusion The CanEAT pathway was co-designed by patients, carers, and HPs. The EBCD approach is a meaningful way to develop targeted improvements in cancer care. The CanEAT pathway is freely available to guide and support patients, carers, and HPs to aid the implementation of optimal nutrition care into clinical practice.

Co-designing a culturally-sensitive theory-driven advance care planning game with Chinese older adults and healthcare providers

“…This paper reports the process of co-designing a game specifically for promoting advance care planning in Chinese communities with multiple stakeholders. Such approach has been widely used for developing products or services in healthcare for diverse patient populations, such as developing self-management interventions for chronic conditions, 22 cancer care pathway, 21 and a card game for stimulating conversation about end-of-life care in the U.S. community. 9,28,29 The structured and systematic co-design process guided by the Medical Research Council framework in this study helped to ensure that the newly designed game intervention would be an evidence-informed, theory-driven and culturally relevant practice.…”

“…18,19 Co-design approach is particularly relevant for developing advance care planning interventions because its acceptance would be influenced by multiple interacting components in the cultural context. 20,21…”