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Aim:
To develop dietetics services for oncology patients in Central Australia to improve patient outcomes. More specifically, to introduce malnutrition screening into the service to streamline referrals and provide patients with access to Dietetic supports along their cancer journey.
Background:
Malnutrition is a preventable condition that affects the function and recovery of every organ system and results in increased morbidity and mortality. People experiencing cancer are at a higher risk of malnutrition. Adequate nutrition and nutritional support from Dietitians in the oncology setting is a key component to prevent and treat malnutrition and thus increase chances of success of cancer treatments. Malnutrition screening is a reliable and efficient way to identify patients who are at high nutritional risk so they can be prioritised within a service. Malnutrition prevalence and access to dietetic services is particularly nuanced in remote Central Australian oncology service. This project aims to improve access to dietetic services for oncology patients in Central Australia by identifying, implementing and evaluating the introduction of a malnutrition screening tool to standard care.
Methods: A needs assessment was conducted to inform the development of dietetic services in a Central Australian oncology unit. A pragmatic literature review was conducted. Perspectives of patients and staff were collected using surveys and focus groups to explore the importance of nutrition along their cancer journey. Benchmarking with other services was used to compare referral pathways, patient numbers and full-time equivalent (FTE) dedicated to oncology dietetics.
Findings / Recommendations:
It is recommended that malnutrition screening is undertaken at diagnosis, at each treatment and performed by a nurse. The use of a valid and reliable malnutrition screening tool should be created in electronic form for nursing staff process efficiency. Increased funding in dietetics and oncology services, including FTE specific for dietetics in oncology should be considered to ensure patients are prioritised appropriately.
Implementation/Action:
An electronic screening tool was created with automatic referrals sent to dietetics if a patient scored at risk of malnutrition. The next phase of the project is to implement and evaluate its effectiveness in providing patients with access to dietetics. A comparison of referral numbers pre and post implementation will be evaluated to guide future FTE recommendations. |
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