Research: Improving Nutrition For Cancer Survivors

14 Apr 2015 --- A team of researchers at Bournemouth University in the UK are working with cancer nurse specialists to develop an e-learning tool for healthcare professionals with the aim of providing helpful information about nutrition for cancer patients.

The tool, which was also created with the help of UK charity Macmillan Cancer Support, is designed to provide staff with accurate and evidence-based nutritional information for cancer survivors. The tool has been made available thought Macmillan’s Learn Zone webpages.

The content is evidence-based, but delivered in an accessible way, through bite-sized chunks and interactive sessions, according to the university. 

Dr Murphy, the lead developer of the resource, explained: "The tool was not specifically designed for people who have had a cancer diagnosis, although cancer survivors themselves can still use it and benefit from it; it was made with healthcare professionals in mind."

The tool was evaluated through focus groups, made up of practice nurses, cancer nurse specialists, nutritionists, GPs and recovered cancer patients. 

Thematic analysis of the results plus anecdotal evidence showed that before using the e-learning resource few healthcare professionals had received any training about nutrition for cancer survivors. 

Dr Murphy explained: "There is a lot of misinformation out there around food and nutrition. For cancer survivors, it is fair to say that there is a lot of information available, but is it correct? Can it improve health and wellbeing and give the best chance of survival?

"For instance, it is very easy to find the wrong sorts of information through the internet. This was another reason to develop an online tool, working in partnership with Macmillan that uses really robust and accurate evidence." 

The research and evaluation of the e-learning tool was published in Nurse Education Today which is widely-read by nurses, nurse practitioners and other allied health care professionals. 

Dr Murphy explains that the decision to publish open access was driven by a desire to see their research and online tool have the biggest possible impact on the lives of cancer survivors. 

The resource remains live and accessible on the Macmillan Cancer Support website and is being used and updated regularly. 
The work has also played a key role in informing a new initiative by Macmillan to improve the lives of cancer survivors through healthier lifestyles.

Dr Murphy and the team at BU are now researching the complex nutritional needs of people with dementia. Working with local organisations and care homes, their research (funded by The Burdett Trust for Nursing) will develop a better understanding of the delivery of nutrition to enhance dignity in dementia care.

By creating a toolkit and suite of educational tools for healthcare professionals and carers, they aim to improve the lives of those with dementia.