Evaluation of a Multidisciplinary Cachexia and Nutrition Support Service— The Patient and Carers Perspective. (13th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vaughan, Vanessa C; Harrison, Meg; Dowd, Anna; Eastman, Peter; Martin, Peter
• Is Part Of: Journal of patient experience. Volume 8(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01-13
• Subjects: cancer cachexia -- multidisciplinary care -- allied health -- quality of life -- patient-centered care; Patient satisfaction -- Periodicals; Patient satisfaction -- United States -- Periodicals; Patient participation -- Periodicals; Patient participation -- United States -- Periodicals; Patient satisfaction; Patient participation; United States; 362.1068
• DOI: 10.1177/2374373520981476
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2374-3735

Abstract

The Barwon Health Cachexia & Nutrition Support Service (CNSS) is an outpatient service focused on improving clinical outcomes and quality of life for patients with or at high risk of cancer cachexia. Patients see a multidisciplinary team, comprising a palliative medicine physician, physiotherapist, dietitian, and nurse practitioner. This study evaluated the service from patient and carer perspectives. In 2016/17, semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 patients and 9 carers attending the service, focusing on: (1) reflection on experience of the CNSS, and (2) describing how a cachexia-specific service can meet their needs and concerns. Analysis generated 4 superordinate themes: evolving perception of service value, empowerment through person-centered care, communication to patients and carers regarding health/disease information, and the importance of the multidisciplinary team-based approach. Generally, patients and carers reported overall positive experiences with the service, particularly with regard to improved communication and management of the patient. Findings confirmed the patient-centered and individualized approaches were particularly valued. These insights are a critical step in the development of recommendations for future clinical management of cancer cachexia.