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Review
. 2023 Jan 7;31(2):99.
doi: 10.1007/s00520-022-07558-6.

Co-design of a cancer nutrition care pathway by patients, carers, and health professionals: the CanEAT pathway

Jenelle Loeliger  1 , Sarah Dewar  2   3 , Nicole Kiss  4 , Jodi Dumbrell  5 , Andrea Elliott  3 , Kate Kaegi  6 , Amber Kelaart  7 , Rebecca McIntosh  8 , Wendy Swan  9 , Jane Stewart  2
Affiliations
Review

Co-design of a cancer nutrition care pathway by patients, carers, and health professionals: the CanEAT pathway

Jenelle Loeliger et al. Support Care Cancer. .

Abstract

Purpose: Limited practical resources exist to guide optimal nutrition care for patients, carers, and health professionals (HPs). This study aimed to co-design a cancer nutrition care pathway to guide and improve the provision of consistent, evidence-based care with consumers and HPs.

Methods: This study utilised an experienced-based co-design (EBCD) approach over five stages. Stage 1 involved stakeholder engagement and a literature review. Stage 2 included a survey and focus groups with patients/carers. Co-design workshops were conducted within stage 3, key stakeholder consultation within stage 4, and the finalisation and dissemination of the cancer nutrition care pathway formed stage 5. Results of stages 3 to 5 are the focus of this paper.

Results: Two co-design workshops were held with patients, carers, and HPs (n = 32 workshop 1; n = 32 workshop 2), who collectively agreed on areas of focus and key priorities. Following this, a consultation period was completed with patients, carers, and HPs (n = 45) to refine the pathway. The collective outcome of all study stages was the co-design of a cancer nutrition care pathway (the CanEAT pathway) defining optimal cancer nutrition care that combines evidence-based practice tips into a centralised suite of resources, tools, and clinical guidance.

Conclusion: The CanEAT pathway was co-designed by patients, carers, and HPs. The EBCD approach is a meaningful way to develop targeted improvements in cancer care. The CanEAT pathway is freely available to guide and support patients, carers, and HPs to aid the implementation of optimal nutrition care into clinical practice.

Keywords: Cancer; Care pathway; Diet; Experience-based co-design; Nutrition; Patient and carer experience.

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Conflict of interest statement

Jenelle Loeliger and Sarah Dewar received a salary from the grant received for this work. Nicole Kiss and Jenelle Loeliger are unpaid members of the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Nutrition Executive Committee. Nicole Kiss has received research support from each of The Victorian Cancer Agency, Medical Nutrition Industry, World Cancer Research Funds, Medical Research Future Fund, Amgen OA-ANZBMS. Nicole Kiss received a speaking fee from Dietitian Connection. Nicole Kiss is an unpaid member of the Nursing and Allied Health Committee, International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer. All other authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Jenelle Loeliger and Sarah Dewar received a salary from the grant received for this work. Nicole Kiss and Jenelle Loeliger are unpaid members of the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Nutrition Executive Committee. Nicole Kiss has received research support from each of The Victorian Cancer Agency, Medical Nutrition Industry, World Cancer Research Funds, Medical Research Future Fund, Amgen OA-ANZBMS. Nicole Kiss received a speaking fee from Dietitian Connection. Nicole Kiss is an unpaid member of the Nursing and Allied Health Committee, International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer. All other authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The experience-based co-design (EBCD) approach to develop the CanEAT pathway
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
a Structure of the CanEAT pathway for people with cancer and their carers. b Structure of the CanEAT pathway for health professionals
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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