Nutritional Status and Information Needs of Medical Oncology Patients Receiving Treatment at an Australian Public Hospital

Abstract

This study aimed to identify 1) the prevalence of malnutrition according to the scored Patient Generated-Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA), 2) utilization of available nutrition resources, 3) patient nutrition information needs, and 4) external sources of nutrition information. An observational, cross-sectional study was undertaken at an Australian public hospital on 191 patients receiving oncology services. According to PG-SGA, 49% of patients were malnourished, and 46% required improved symptom management and/or nutrition intervention. Commonly reported nutrition-impact symptoms included peculiar tastes (31%), no appetite (24%), and nausea (24%). External sources of nutrition information were accessed by 37%, with popular choices being media/Internet (n = 19) and family/friends (n = 13). In a subsample (n = 65), 32 patients were aware of the available nutrition resources, 23 thought the information sufficient, and 19 patients had actually read them. Additional information on supplements and modifying side effects was requested by 26 patients. Malnutrition is common in oncology patients receiving treatment at an Australian public hospital, and almost half require improved symptom management and/or nutrition intervention. Patients who read the available nutrition information found it useful; however, awareness of these nutrition resources and the provision of information on supplementation and managing symptoms requires attention.

Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment Short Form (PG-SGA SF) is a valid screening tool in chemotherapy outpatients

“…Nutrition impact symptoms (Table 2) were common, with 59 % of patients experiencing at least one of these symptoms in the 2 weeks preceding nutritional assessment. This is comparable with previous studies by Isenring et al [3], which found that 48 % of participants (N = 191) had at least one nutrition impact symptom, and Khalid et al [21], who reported that 62 % (N = 161) of patients had at least one nutrition impact symptom. There were a number of components (i.e.…”

“…Evidence-based practice guidelines recommend the use of the Scored PatientGenerated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) for nutrition assessment within the oncology patient population [1]. However, comprehensive nutrition assessment is not practical for routine use for all oncology patients in large tertiary hospitals due to time and human resource limitations [3]. It is therefore appropriate to consider a more simplified yet accurate screening process to identify patients at nutritional risk.…”

Nutrition Intervention Improves Nutritional Status and Quality of Life Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy

“…A recent observational study in 191 oncology patients receiving cancer services at a public Australian hospital found that almost one half of patients were malnourished, and common symptoms impacting on dietary intake included taste changes, poor appetite and nausea (Isenring et al 2010). Consequences of malnutrition include increased risk of infections, poor wound healing, decreased quality of life and transfer to higher level care (Watterson et al 2009).…”

“…Many patients are interested in nutrition and seek nutritional advice external to the cancer centre. It has been reported that 40% of cancer patients are seeking extra nutrition resources and would like further information regarding dietary tips for managing side effects and supplements (Isenring et al 2010). Therefore it is important that health professionals feel comfortable answering common nutritional queries using an evidence-based approach, have access to appropriate resources e.g.…”

Role of Nutritional Status in Predicting the Length of Stay in Cancer: A Systematic Review of the Epidemiological Literature

“…The incidence of malnutrition among patients with cancer has been estimated at between 40 and 80% [5,6,7,8]. Nearly 20% of cancer patients are reported to die of malnutrition or its associated complications rather than the malignant disease itself [9].…”