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 one involved stakeholder engagement and a literature review. Stage two included a survey and focus groups with patients/carers. Co-design workshops were conducted within stage three, key stakeholder consultation within stage four and the finalisation and dissemination of the cancer nutrition care pathway formed stage five. Results of stages three to five are the focus of this paper.Results: Two co-design workshops were held with patients, carers and HPs (n=32 workshop one; n=32 workshop two), 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.

Perceptions of Older Adults with Hematological Cancer on Diet and Exercise Behavior and Its Role in Navigating Daily Tasks

“…Nevertheless, opportunities exist for improved delivery of health promotion education and support during the cancer journey. For example, Loeliger and coworkers [ 57 ] developed a person-centered care pathway using co-design principles to improve the provision of evidence-based nutritional care throughout the nutrition continuum. These types of innovations require systemic change to take full advantage of their potential to ultimately improve the overall health and physical wellbeing of cancer survivors [ 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 ].…”

“…For example, Loeliger and coworkers [ 57 ] developed a person-centered care pathway using co-design principles to improve the provision of evidence-based nutritional care throughout the nutrition continuum. These types of innovations require systemic change to take full advantage of their potential to ultimately improve the overall health and physical wellbeing of cancer survivors [ 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 ]. In summary, improved access to healthcare professionals to facilitate and support self-management of healthy lifestyle behaviors through education and counseling are warranted for older HCS [ 59 ].…”