Publication

Documentation of anthropometrics in people with cancer: a cross-site collaboration audit in four hospital settings in the UK.

Tabacchi, F
; 
Oberai, R
; 
Parmar, K
; 
Oxley, L
; 
Coe, S
; 
Iatridi, V
; 
Tammam, J
; 
Watson, E
; 
Wanstall, H
Abstract
Background: Malnutrition is a significant risk for patients during cancer treatment. Neglecting to monitor or provide timely dietetic support can result in lower tolerance to treatments and reduced quality of life. This audit aimed to assess the completeness and accuracy of the documentation of anthropometric measurements in medical records and dietetic referral practices across four day-treatment units (DTUs) in England. Methodology: Data were collected from electronic patient records of 100 patients in each DTU attending for systemic anti-cancer treatment (SACT) over a 2-week period. Data collected included patients' demographics, anthropometric data, referrals to dietitians, and whether the patients referred had a MUST score ≥ 2, which was calculated by the authors. Results: Findings revealed that weights and heights were documented for 58-85% and 94-98% of patients attending DTUs, respectively. On average, 55% (range of 7-85%) of patients had their body mass index (BMI) documented on the day of SACT. The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) was rarely completed (≤ 3% in each centre). Dietetic referral practices varied across centres. Conclusions: Findings highlight the need to improve anthropometric documentation practices in cancer centres, in order to allow better monitoring of malnutrition risk and early nutritional support interventions when needed.
MIDER Authors
Oxley, Lewis
Citations
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Date
2024-10-10
Type
Article
Other
Subject
Public health. Health statistics. Occupational health. Health education, Oncology. Pathology., Diet & nutrition
Collections
UHB Community
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Citation
Tabacchi F, Oberai R, Parmar K, Oxley L, Coe S, Iatridi V, Tammam J, Watson E, Wanstall H. Documentation of anthropometrics in people with cancer: a cross-site collaboration audit in four hospital settings in the UK. Support Care Cancer. 2024 Oct 10;32(11):720. doi: 10.1007/s00520-024-08931-3.
Journal / Source Title
Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
DOI
10.1007/s00520-024-08931-3
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14200/6818
PMID
39387942
Publisher
Springer International
Publisher’s URL
https://link.springer.com/journal/520
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