NutriDia-Nutritional Decision Support between Cancer Patients at Risk of Weight Loss and Healthcare Staff

Mette Holst and Henrik Højgaard Rasmussen

Department of Clinical Medicine, Center for Nutrition and Bowel Disease, Aalborg University, Denmark

^*Correspondance to: Mette Holst 

 PDF  Full Text Research Article | Open Access

Abstract:

Introduction: Malnutrition is common in patients with cancer, as between 15% to 80% of all patients experience significant weight loss during disease and treatment. Patients suffering from weight loss have reduced ability to complete the prescribed treatment, reduced quality of life, and reduced survival. Optimizing nutrition intake during cancer in order to achieve weight maintenance is difficult and requires individual timely nutritional therapy. The aim of this multi method development study was to create a decision support tool which would prevent weight loss in cancer patients by supporting nutrition intake and containing relevant information to support patients as well as professionals on nutritional aspects throughout the course of treatment including rehabilitation.Methods: An APP for decision support was developed with patient and professional involvement. Descriptive data were collected for the evaluation of efficacy as weight development and semi structured qualitative interviews with patients and professionals individually. Interviews were analyzed by qualitative content analysis.Results: Patients maintained weight. Nutrition intake was supported in 42 patient’s home by the tool. When intake was decreasing, a quick and efficient collaboration between patients and professionals made sure the right nutritional therapy decision was made and implemented. Patients and professionals were very satisfied with the system.Conclusion: The decision support tool for nutritional therapy between patients with cancer and professionals was efficient and well liked. Patients were compliant and maintained weight and oral intake to a high extent. When oral nutrition intake decreased, a fast decision was initiated.

Keywords:

Cite the Article:

Holst M, Rasmussen HH. NutriDia- Nutritional Decision Support between Cancer Patients at Risk of Weight Loss and Healthcare Staff. Ann Clin Case Rep. 2019; 4: 1581.