Access to nutrition services and information after active cancer treatment: a mixed methods study

• DOI: 10.1007/s11764-023-01352-x
• Publication Date: 2023-02-24T00:03:50Z
• Authors: Brenton J. Baguley; Sarah Benna-Doyle; Shani Drake; Annie Curtis; Jane Stewart; Jenelle Loeliger
• Keywords: Thematic Analysis; Clinical nutrition; Nutrition information; Cancer survivor

Abstract Purpose Evidence-based guidelines for cancer strongly support nutrition and dietetic services people with carers in order to improve patient-centred health service outcomes. Access information after completing active treatment is relatively unknown Australia. This study aimed determine the availability, accessibility, barriers, preferences Methods Utilising mixed methods, completed a cross-sectional survey, sub-group of participants semi-structured interview. The survey evaluated availability services, searched, information. Semi-structured interviews explored participant experience Results 149 (including 10 carers) were predominately male diagnosis prostate (63%). Overall, 23% received from dietitian treatment. Participants (78%) indicated that accessing specialist main barrier receiving care Most searched on internet (55%) found easy understand (89%), but conflicting (52%). Thematic analysis fourteen patients revealed three key themes pertaining (1) preferred referral timing (2) lack confidence publicly available information, (3) streamlining greater access. Conclusion evidence-based limited Australia, despite high interest need ongoing care. Implications Cancer Survivors Models evaluating provision appropriate are needed address this unmet survivorship need.