Abstract:
In order to provide a high-quality nutritional care, care pathways are recommended. Standardisation and clear documentation in care pathways provide a mechanism for delivering efficient and effective care, and should include aspects of screening, assessment & diagnosis, intervention, and monitoring & evaluation.
Nutritional intervention in cancer patients should aim to identify and treat malnutrition, maintain or improve muscle mass and address nutritional disturbances.
Some nutrients have been highlighted to be of special importance to achieve this, such as protein, vitamin D and beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate.
This article shows the process of how to implement a nutritional care pathway for cancer patients.
Author Bios
Dr. Ione de Brito-Ashurst, RD PhD
The Royal Marsden Hospital
London, United Kingdom
Most of Ione’s clinical work has been in critical care and chronic illness malnutrition, which has led to her active research interest in the prevention and management of muscle mass decline. Her PhD was aimed at bridging the gap between the acute and community sector in chronic illness management.
Ione has always been involved in voluntary work. She led the nutrition group of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association for six years. She is also art of the London Clinical Senate – one of the few allied health professionals (ANP) in the Group – representing AHPs and Cancer. Ione won the ‘Florence Nightingale Leadership’ scholarship award and is one of the few AHP Florence Alumni.
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