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Translating Evidence-Based Guidelines into Practice—Are We Getting It Right? A Multi-Centre Prospective International Audit of Nutrition Care in Patients with Foregut Tumors (INFORM)
Nutrients
  • Merran Findlay, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
  • Judith D. Bauer, The University of Queensland
  • Rupinder Dhaliwal, Canadian Nutrition Society
  • Marian de van der Schueren, HAN University of Applied Sciences
  • Alessandro Laviano, Sapienza University of Rome
  • Adrianne Widaman, San Jose State University
  • Lisa Martin, University of Alberta, Edmonton
  • Andrew G. Day, Queen's University
  • Leah M. Gramlich, University of Alberta, Edmonton
Publication Date
12-11-2020
Document Type
Article
DOI
10.3390/nu12123808
Abstract

Malnutrition is highly prevalent in patients with foregut tumors comprising head and neck (HNC) and esophageal (EC) cancers, negatively impacting outcomes. International evidence-based guidelines (EBGs) for nutrition care exist; however, translation of research evidence into practice commonly presents considerable challenges and consequently lags. This study aimed to describe and evaluate current international nutrition care practices compared with the best-available evidence for patients with foregut tumors who are at high risk of malnutrition. A multi-centre prospective cohort study enrolled 170 patients commencing treatment of curative intent for HNC (n = 119) or EC (n = 51) in 11 cancer care settings in North America, Europe and Australia between 2016 and 2018. Adherence criteria were derived from relevant EBG recommendations with pooled results for participating centres reported according to the Nutrition Care Model at either system or patient levels. Adherence to EBG recommendations was: good (≥80%) for performing baseline nutrition screening and assessment, perioperative nutrition assessment and nutrition prescription for energy and protein targets; moderate (≥60 to 80%) for utilizing validated screening and assessment tools and pre-radiotherapy dietitian consultation; and poor (60%) for initiating post-operative nutrition support within 24 h and also dietetic consultation weekly during radiotherapy and fortnightly for 6 weeks post-radiotherapy. In conclusion, gaps in evidence-based cancer nutrition care remain; however, this may be improved by filling known evidence gaps through high-quality research with a concurrent evolution of EBGs to also encompass practical implementation guidance. These should aim to support multidisciplinary cancer clinicians to close evidence–practice gaps throughout the patient care trajectory with clearly defined roles and responsibilities that also address patient-reported concerns.

Keywords
  • head and neck cancer,
  • esophageal cancer,
  • malnutrition,
  • implementation,
  • evidence-based practice,
  • research translation
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Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
Citation Information
Merran Findlay, Judith D. Bauer, Rupinder Dhaliwal, Marian de van der Schueren, et al.. "Translating Evidence-Based Guidelines into Practice—Are We Getting It Right? A Multi-Centre Prospective International Audit of Nutrition Care in Patients with Foregut Tumors (INFORM)" Nutrients Vol. 12 Iss. 12 (2020)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/adrianne-widaman/17/