Assessment and management of nutritional challenges in children’s cancer care: A survey of current practice in the United Kingdom

Abstract Background The maintenance of an adequate nutritional intake is vital for the child or young person undergoing treatment for cancer. Inability to maintain nutrition can lead to poor tolerance of treatment, increased risk of infectious complications and a potential poorer overall outcome. Good nutritional support is vital however there does not appear to be a national or consistent approach to either nutritional support or assessment. Purpose The Paediatric Oncology Nurses Forum of the Royal College of Nursing and the Paediatric Oncology Dieticians Interest Group surveyed practice in the 21 Childrens Cancer and Leukaemia Group Centres in the United Kingdom and Ireland with the express aim of reviewing current practice as a first stage towards developing national guidance for nutritional management. Methods and sample Questionnaires designed to review nutritional assessment and nutritional interventions were distributed to both a nurse and dietician in each CCLG centre. The results were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results There was a 100% return rate from nurses and 66% from dieticians. The results showed an inconsistent approach in both assessment methods and approaches to nutritional intervention for this group of patients. Conclusion It is recognised that there is a need to adequately assess and provide appropriate nutrition for children and young people receiving cancer therapies. This survey highlights the inconsistencies in practice today as well as the need for consistent and useful guidance especially in the area of nutritional assessment and management of potential malnutrition.