Faculty Collaboration Database

Perceptions of nutrition support in pediatric oncology patients and parents. J Pediatr Oncol Nurs 2013;30(2):90-8

Date

02/06/2013

Pubmed ID

23380526

DOI

10.1177/1043454212471726

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84875296032 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   17 Citations

Abstract

An estimated 60% of pediatric oncology patients experience malnutrition during cancer therapy. Initiation of enteral nutrition (EN) and parenteral nutrition (PN) are interventions aimed at maintaining and promoting growth. Limited literature addressing perceptions of nutrition support methods exists. To develop effective guidelines on nutrition education, it is important to understand perceptions regarding nutrition support. The purpose of this pilot study was to describe perceptions of pediatric oncology patients and parents regarding the use of EN and PN and identify influencing variables. A convenience sample of pediatric oncology patients and parents were surveyed at a large Midwestern children's hospital. The majority of those surveyed chose PN over EN if they or their child were unable to eat or maintain their nutritional status. Perceptions may be influenced by comfort, ease of nutrition or medication administration, experience, health care team's recommendation, choice, and image. This study provides health care professionals an initial opportunity to understand perceptions of EN and PN, which may provide a foundation for a multi-institutional study and enhance patient and family education.

Author List

Montgomery K, Belongia M, Haddigan Mulberry M, Schulta C, Phillips S, Simpson PM, Nugent ML

Author

Pippa M. Simpson PhD Adjunct Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Child
Enteral Nutrition
Female
Focus Groups
Humans
Male
Neoplasms
Parenteral Nutrition
Parents
Pilot Projects