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BMC Palliative Care
Published in: BMC Palliative Care 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research article

Partnering with families to promote nutrition in cancer care: feasibility and acceptability of the PIcNIC intervention

Authors: Alex Molassiotis, Shelley Roberts, Hui Lin Cheng, Henry K. F. To, Po Shan Ko, Wang Lam, Yuk Fong Lam, Jessica Abbott, Deborah Kiefer, Jasotha Sanmugarajah, Andrea P. Marshall

Published in: BMC Palliative Care | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

Malnutrition is frequent in patients with cancer, particularly those in advanced stages of the disease. The aim of the present study was to test the feasibility of a family-centred nutritional intervention, based on the Family Systems theory and past research.

Methods

This was a single-arm trial assessing feasibility (eligibility, recruitment and retention rates); acceptability by patients, family caregivers and health professionals; intervention fidelity, and energy/protein intake (in one site only). Two sites were involved; one each in Australia (AUS) and Hong Kong (HK), with one site delivering the intervention to oncology patients receiving curative treatments in the hospital, and the other to advanced cancer patients in the home.

Results

The sample included 53 patients (23 from AUS and 30 from HK), 22 caregivers (3 from AUS and 19 from HK) and 30 health professionals (20 from AUS and 10 from HK). Recruitment was difficult in the acute inpatient oncology care setting (AUS) and feasibility criteria were not met. Sufficient recruitment took place in the home care setting with advanced cancer patients in HK. Patients, family members and health professionals found the intervention helpful and acceptable, and patients and families indicated they would take part in the future in a similar study. Energy and protein intake improved from baseline to end of intervention (mean 22 kcal/kg/day to 26 and 0.9 g/kg/day to 1.0 respectively).

Conclusion

The new intervention is feasible in a home setting when delivered to patients with advanced cancer, acceptable to patients and families, and has the potential to improve nutritional status in patients. A large randomised trial is warranted in the future.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Partnering with families to promote nutrition in cancer care: feasibility and acceptability of the PIcNIC intervention
Authors
Alex Molassiotis
Shelley Roberts
Hui Lin Cheng
Henry K. F. To
Po Shan Ko
Wang Lam
Yuk Fong Lam
Jessica Abbott
Deborah Kiefer
Jasotha Sanmugarajah
Andrea P. Marshall
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Palliative Care / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1472-684X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-018-0306-4

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