Diet in palliative cancer care-perceptions of patients, carers & HCPs
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Role of Diet in Palliative Cancer Care - Perceptions of Patients, Carers and Healthcare Professionals (HCPs)
IRAS ID
182190
Contact name
Anne Holdoway
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Dorothy House Hospice
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 5 months, 8 days
Research summary
Amongst patients with a palliative condition related to cancer, there are sound clinical rationale for attempting to improve nutritional intake, maintain weight and alleviate some of the metabolic and physical effects of the disease process and treatments. Symptoms in palliative care can impact on dietary intake, equally diet can be modified to alleviate symptoms including nausea, anorexia, early satiety, bowel obstruction. Diet can also influence immune function and skin integrity. The management of unintentional weight loss and nutritional problems often centres on increasing dietary intake with the use of energy and nutrient rich foods. Advice is based on a logical approach and when feasible involves a skilled Dietitian to provide individualised counselling. Despite recommendations to offer advice and enhance dietary intake there is currently a lack of information on how patients and carers perceive or act upon the advice given. This study aims to gain insights into the experiences of patients, their carers and healthcare professionals, to help understand their views regarding the perceived role of diet and acceptability of advice given in a palliative condition related to cancer.
Using a multiple case study approach, this study aims to explore through semi-structured interviews, the experience of patients and carers/family members and healthcare professionals, in managing diet related issues in palliative care including including 1. how patients, carers and healthcare professionals currently perceive the role of diet in palliative conditions 2. how dietary issues and symptoms have been identified 3. what advice was given, by whom and when 4. what advice was adopted, was acceptable/practical, what worked, what didn't work and what facilitated / prevented uptake of advice and ideas.
A maximum of 10 patients, 10 matched family members/carers and 20 healthcare professionals involved in the patient's care will be interviewed. Interviews will be recorded transcribed and analysed thematically.REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/SW/0276
Date of REC Opinion
26 Oct 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion