Dietary and Feeding Modifications for Older Adults.

This article is part of a series, Supporting Family Caregivers: No Longer Home Alone, published in collaboration with the AARP Public Policy Institute. Results of focus groups, conducted as part of the AARP Public Policy Institute's No Longer Home Alone video project, supported evidence that family caregivers aren't given the information they need to manage the complex care regimens of family members. This series of articles and accompanying videos aim to help nurses provide caregivers with the tools they need to manage their family member's health care at home.The articles in this new installment of the series provide simple and useful instructions that nurses should reinforce with family caregivers. This article is the second of two that explain the nutritional principles nurses should consider and reinforce with caregivers. Each article includes an informational tear sheet-Information for Family Caregivers-that contains links to the instructional videos. To use this series, nurses should read the article first, so they understand how best to help family caregivers, and then encourage caregivers to watch the videos and ask questions. For additional information, see Resources for Nurses.

Clinical Guidelines for Management of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Cancer Patients: The Japanese Society of Palliative Medicine Recommendations.

Background: Gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, bowel obstruction, ascites, constipation, and anorexia, are common and often refractory in advanced cancer patients. The palliation of gastrointestinal symptoms is important in improving the quality of life of cancer patients, as well as that of their families and caregivers. Currently published clinical guidelines for the management of gastrointestinal symptoms in cancer patients do not comprehensively cover the topics or are not based on a formal process for the development of clinical guidelines. Methods: The Japanese Society for Palliative Medicine (JSPM) developed comprehensive clinical guidelines for the management of gastrointestinal symptoms in cancer patients after a formal guideline development process. Results: This article summarizes the recommendations along with their rationale and a short summary of the development process of the JSPM gastrointestinal symptom management guidelines. We established 31 recommendations, all of which are based on the best available evidence and agreement of expert taskforce members. Discussion: Future clinical studies and continuous guideline updates are required to improve gastrointestinal symptom management in cancer patients.

Variables de la desnutrición en pacientes en diálisis / Variables of malnutrition in dialysis patients

Introducción: El paciente en diálisis va a sufrir una desnutrición proteico-calórica, con diferentes factores implicados en su aparición, lo cual se asocia con una elevadísima morbilidad cardiovascular y mortalidad. Se ha estimado una prevalencia de desnutrición en la población en hemodiálisis del 18-75%, siendo por tanto, un problema de especial relevancia en este tipo de pacientes. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión bibliográfica de los artículos científicos existentes sobre las variables que intervienen en la desnutrición del paciente en diálisis. Metodología: Se ha realizado una revisión bibliográfica mediante las bases de datos PubMed, Scielo, Pro-Quest. La búsqueda se ha realizado con términos Mesh, con una antigüedad no mayor de 5 años y con distintas palabras clave. Resultados: Se han revisado 19 artículos. La mayoría de los artículos fueron estudios observacionales y de revisión. Los factores que se asocian con desnutrición son la edad, pérdida de masa muscular, baja actividad física y dieta pobre en micronutrientes. Otro factor muy importante, es la inflamación. En cuanto a los métodos diagnósticos, son variados y diferentes, debido a la gran cantidad de variables que influyen en la desnutrición. Conclusiones: La desnutrición en pacientes en diálisis depende de distintas variables y no solamente de la dieta. Los factores que se asocian con desnutrición son mayor edad, pérdida de masa muscular, baja actividad física y dieta pobre en micronutrientes. Además, habría que añadir el doble papel que juega la inflamación en este proceso, pues puede ser tanto consecuencia como factor predisponente a la desnutrición (AU)

Introduction: The patient on dialysis will suffer from protein-caloric malnutrition, with different factors involved in its onset, which is associated with very high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. A prevalence of malnutrition in the hemodialysis population of 18- 75% has been estimated, being therefore a problem of special relevance in this type of patients. Objective: A literature review of the existing scientific articles on the variables involved in malnutrition of patients on dialysis was carried out. Methods: A bibliographic review has been done using the PubMed, Scielo, ProQuest databases. The search used Mesh terms, with an age of no more than 5 years and with different keywords. Results: Nineteen articles were reviewed. Most articles were observational and review studies. The factors that are associated with malnutrition are age, loss of muscle mass, low physical activity and diet deficient in micronutrients. Another very important factor is inflammation. Regarding the diagnostic methods are varied and different, due to the large number of variables that influence malnutrition. Conclusions: Malnutrition in dialysis patients depends on different variables and not only on the diet. The factors that are associated with malnutrition are older age, loss of muscle mass, low physical activity and diet deficient in micronutrients. In addition, we should add the dual role of inflammation in this process as it can be both a consequence and a predisposing factor to malnutrition (AU)

Anorexia y bulimia. Impacto en la sociedad red / Anorexia and bulimia: impact on network society

Las Tecnologías de la Información y de la Comunicación (TIC) tienen una influencia creciente en el modo de relacionarnos y en la configuración de la identidad personal. El fenómeno de las redes sociales en Internet emerge con fuerza y contribuye al desarrollo de nuevos espacios de comunicación que, en ocasiones, rompen con el discurso oficial que marca la evidencia científica en materia de salud. Este trabajo analiza el impacto de las TIC sobre la identidad de los nativos digitales y sobre los Trastornos en la Conducta Alimentaria (TAC). Se dedica especial atención a cómo la sociedad red condiciona la respuesta de las personas jóvenes ante enfermedades como la anorexia y la bulimia, y cómo los cuidados enfermeros deben tener en cuenta estos condicionantes para mejorar la eficacia y la calidad en la atención asistencial y en los cuidados del paciente (AU)

The Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have an increasing influence on the way we relate and in shaping personal identity. The phenomenon of online social networking emerges strongly and contributes to the development of new spaces breaking with the official discourse that marks the scientific evidence on health. This paper analyzes the impact of ICT in relation to the identity of the digital natives and eating disorders (ED). Particular attention to how the network society determines the response of young people in situations of social tension is dedicated. To do this, provides a perspective on the concept of interaction from the analysis of the discourse on anorexia and bulimia in the network, and how to care nurses should consider these factors to improve efficiency and quality in clinical care and patient care (AU)

[Caring for teenagers with anorexia]. / Prise en charge des adolescents souffrant d'anorexie mentale.

Anorexia mainly affects young girls, although more and more boys and adults are also concerned. The consequences of eating disorders have a significant impact on young people's health. Nurses play a key role in the therapeutic contract set up during the hospital treatment.

Novel intervention with acupuncture for anorexia and cachexia in patients with gastrointestinal tract cancers: a feasibility study.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To investigate the feasibility of using acupuncture as a complementary intervention to existing treatments and to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in improving appetite and slowing weight loss with patients with gastrointestinal (GI) tract cancers. 
 DESIGN: One-group pre- and postintervention feasibility study. 
 SETTING: Outpatient clinic for patients with cancer and a community setting, both in Florida. 
 SAMPLE: A convenience sample of seven adults with GI cancer.
 METHODS: Eight acupuncture sessions were provided during eight weeks. Data were collected using the visual analog scale (VAS) for appetite, Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ), Karnofsky Performance Status, and bioelectrical impedance analysis. 
 MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Appetite, weight, attrition rate.
 FINDINGS: Seven patients with a mean age of 61 years completed the intervention. Acupuncture was well accepted, feasible, and safe without any reported side effects. Appetite showed improvement, with an average score of 3.04 on the VAS and 4.14 on SNAQ compared to the preintervention scores. The average weight loss was 1.32% compared to the baseline during an eight-week period. 
 CONCLUSIONS: The acupuncture intervention was feasible and indicated positive outcomes. Because of the small sample size and lack of a control group, statistical significance of effectiveness was not determined. Acupuncture seemed to improve appetite and slow weight loss in patients with GI cancers, so additional studies with a larger sample size and a variety of cancers are warranted. 
 IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Oncology nurses are uniquely able to equip patients with information about complementary therapy modalities, such as acupuncture, which is a promising way to improve appetite and slow weight loss in patients with GI cancers.


Taking control of anorexia together.

Many people with anorexia receive inadequate treatment for what is a debilitating, relentless and life-threatening illness. In Lincolnshire an innovative nurse-led day programme is helping people stay out of hospital and take back control from the illness. Peer support is crucial to the programme's success.

Candidly critical, Part 5: but for the grace of god.

This is the fifth in a series of articles depicting real-life situations in critical care nursing.

How to develop patient trust in anorexia treatment.

Anorexia nervosa is a serious and commonly fatal psychological condition. It is essential that nurses develop positive relationships with patients to enable successful treatment. However, these relationships are often difficult to form. This article discusses how the features of anorexia affect creating and sustaining effective nurse-patient relationships.

The deliverability, acceptability, and perceived effect of the Macmillan approach to weight loss and eating difficulties: a phase II, cluster-randomized, exploratory trial of a psychosocial intervention for weight- and eating-related distress in people with advanced cancer.

CONTEXT: Up to 80% of people with cancer will develop weight loss and anorexia during the advanced stages of the disease. The Macmillan Weight and Eating Studies (2000-2009) have used the Medical Research Council complex interventions framework to develop the first psychosocial intervention for weight- and eating-related distress (WRD and ERD) in people with advanced cancer and their carers: The Macmillan Approach to Weight and Eating (MAWE). OBJECTIVES: This article reports the findings of a Phase II trial of MAWE that investigated its deliverability, acceptability, and patient-perceived effect on WRD and ERD. METHODS: The Phase II trial, conducted in 2006-2007, was of cluster-randomized design, with two community palliative care teams randomized to different arms. It used mixed methods to compare an intervention group (n=25), the MAWE group, which was supported by MAWE-trained clinical nurse specialists, with a group that received usual care (n=25), the control group. RESULTS: MAWE was deliverable in clinical practice and acceptable to patients. Unplanned exposure of the MAWE group to the intervention before an initial measure of WRD and ERD proved problematic to the trial process. Despite this, quantitative and qualitative analyses indicate that MAWE does not exacerbate WRD and ERD and may help patients with advanced cancer live with the weight loss and anorexia that are the symptoms of cancer cachexia syndrome. CONCLUSION: A follow-on randomized controlled trial of MAWE is warranted but should be of a revised design.

Reduction of chemotherapy-induced anorexia, nausea, and emesis through a structured nursing intervention: a cluster-randomized multicenter trial.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this present study was to evaluate Self-care Improvement through Oncology Nursing (SCION) program to reduce distressing anorexia, nausea, and emesis (ANE) in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: Two hundred eight patients receiving chemotherapy with moderate to high emetogenic potential participated in a cluster randomized trial on 14 wards in two German university hospitals. Additionally to standard antiemetic treatment, patients from the intervention wards received the SCION program consisting of four modules: advisory consultation, optimizing emesis prophylaxis, nutrition counseling, and relaxation. Patients from the control group received standard antiemetic treatment and standard care. Primary outcome was the group difference in ANE intensity assessed by Common Terminology Criteria for adverse events (CTCAE). MAIN RESULTS: The SCION program did not result in a significant difference in the incidence of ANE symptoms as compared to standard care: mean difference on CTCAE scale was 0.24 pts (95%CI, -1.17 to 1.66 pts; P = 0.733). No difference could be found regarding patients' knowledge of side effects, self-care interventions, and agency. Health-related quality of life was significantly better for patients in the control group (mean difference 10.2 pts; 95%CI, 1.9 to 18.5; P = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to our expectations, the groups did not differ in ANE intensity caused by the overall low acute or delayed symptom intensity. Symptom hierarchy in cancer patients alters and challenges nursing interventions targeting the patients' self-care strategies.

Putting evidence into practice: evidence-based interventions to prevent and manage anorexia.

Anorexia is defined as an involuntary loss of appetite.Approximately 50% of newly diagnosed patients with cancer experience the symptom, which often is accompanied by weight loss and most typically associated with advanced disease.Anorexia significantly affects the clinical course of cancer; it can lead to the development or exacerbation of disease- or treatment-related symptoms, decreased functional status, and diminished quality of life.As part of the Oncology Nursing Society's Putting Evidence Into Practice initiative, a team of oncology nurses examined and evaluated published research literature for the purpose of developing an evidence-based practice resource focused on the management of cancer-related anorexia.Even though anorexia is common among newly diagnosed patients and those with advanced disease, interventions to prevent, treat, and manage the symptom are limited.The evidence revealed that only two pharmacologic interventions, corticosteroids and progestins, can be recommended for use in clinical practice, and dietary counseling was identified as likely to be effective.This article summarizes selected empirical literature on interventions used to prevent and manage anorexia in patients with cancer.Familiarity with the literature will assist oncology nurses in proactively identifying and effectively managing patients experiencing this distressing symptom.

Cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome: psychological effect on the patient and family.

The majority of patients with advanced cancer experience weight loss, reduced appetite, fatigue, and weakness. Chronic nausea and early satiety may also occur. This constellation of symptoms is known as the cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome. Together with cancer pain, cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome has been identified as 1 of the 2 most frequent and devastating problems affecting individuals with advanced malignancies. Research examining the issue of cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome has been conducted; however, such work is largely biomedical in orientation. In contrast, the psychologic dimensions of the cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome experience from the perspective of terminally ill patients and their family members is less well explored or described. The ability to provide psychosocial support to patients and families requires that caregivers appreciate the psychologic effect of cancer anorexia and cachexia on these individuals. This article examines that effect in light of existing knowledge and discusses the clinical implications arising from this work.

Nursing diagnosis with the ICNP in the teaching context.

BACKGROUND: The premise for the research study was the authors' conviction that the use of nursing diagnostic taxonomies allows the nurse to formulate a thorough and valid diagnosis. AIM: To verify the International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP) in the context of a Polish academic nursing programme. RESEARCH QUESTIONS: Do nursing diagnoses made traditionally and those made with the ICNP reflect the patient's/client's condition? Is the range and type of the two kinds of diagnoses similar or different? Is the level of detail in both types of diagnoses compatible? METHODS: Quasi-experiment in which the experimental group diagnosed patients by means of the ICNP and the control group formulated nursing diagnoses by means of an intellectual decision-making process. STUDY GROUPS: 44 students in a MNurs. Programme, Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Medical University in Lublin, Poland. CONCLUSIONS: The range and type of nursing diagnoses do not depend on the method used in their formulation. The ICNP diagnoses are compatible with the traditionally formulated ones. The unbalanced size of the experimental and the study groups negatively influenced the validity of conclusions.