IntroductionMalnutrition in cancer patients often remains undetected and underestimated in clinical practice despite studies revealing prevalences from 20 to 70%. Therefore, this study aimed to identify patient groups exposed to an increased nutritional risk in a university oncological outpatient center.MethodsBetween May 2017 and January 2018 we screened oncological patients there using the malnutrition universal screening tool (MUST). Qualitative data were collected by a questionnaire to learn about patients’ individual information needs and changes in patients’ diets and stressful personal nutrition restrictions.ResultsWe included 311 patients with various cancers. 20.3% (n = 63) were found to be at high risk of malnutrition, 16.4% (n = 51) at moderate risk despite a mean body mass index (BMI) of 26.5 ± 4.7 kg/m2. The average age was 62.7 (± 11.8) with equal gender distribution (52% women, n = 162). In 94.8% (n = 295) unintended weight loss led to MUST scoring. Patients with gastrointestinal tumors (25%, n = 78) and patients >65 years (22%, n = 68) were at higher risk. Furthermore, there was a significant association between surgery or chemotherapy within six months before survey and a MUST score ≥2 (OR = 3.6). Taste changes, dysphagia, and appetite loss were also particular risk factors (OR = 2.3–3.2). Young, female and normal-weight patients showed most interest in nutrition in cancer. However, only 38% (n = 118) had a nutritional counseling.ConclusionThis study confirms that using the MUST score is a valid screening procedure to identify outpatients at risk of developing malnutrition. Here one in five was at high risk, but only 1% would have been detected by BMI alone. Therefore, an ongoing screening procedure with meaningful parameters should be urgently implemented into the clinical routine of cancer outpatients as recommended in international guidelines.

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund In Deutschland werden komplementärmedizinische Verfahren von bis zu 62% der Patienten genutzt, Art und Ausmaß dieser Versorgungsangebote im stationären Sektor sind jedoch nicht bekannt. Die Zielsetzung der Studie war es, eine Statuserhebung zu komplementärmedizinischen Verfahren mittels Screening der Internetauftritte aller bayerischen Akutkrankenhäuser jeglicher Versorgungsstufe durchzuführen, um das Spektrum der angewendeten komplementärmedizinischen Verfahren zu erfassen. Methoden Im Jahr 2020 wurde nach dem Vier-Augen-Prinzip ein unabhängiges und vollständiges Website-Screening aller bayerischen Akutkrankenhäuser durchgeführt. Angebotene Verfahren aus der Komplementärmedizin wurden in der Gesamtheit sowie getrennt nach Fachgebieten analysiert. Ergebnisse Von 389 bayerischen Krankenhäusern aus der Akutversorgung boten 82% auf ihrer Website mindestens ein und 66% mindestens drei unterschiedliche komplementärmedizinische Verfahren an. Am häufigsten wurden Entspannungstechniken (52%), Akupunktur (44%), Massagen (41%), Bewegungs-, Kunst- und Musiktherapie (33%, 30% bzw. 28%), meditative Bewegungsverfahren wie Yoga (30%) und Aromatherapie (29%) angeboten. Nach Fachgebieten getrennt fanden sich komplementärmedizinische Verfahren mit 87% am häufigsten in der Psychiatrie/Psychosomatik (primär Entspannungsverfahren 69%, Bewegungs- und Kunsttherapie jeweils 60%), sowie mit 72% in der Gynäkologie/Geburtshilfe (primär Akupunktur 64%, Homöopathie 60% und Aromatherapie 41%). Schlussfolgerungen Die große Mehrheit der bayerischen Akutkrankenhäuser scheint laut ihrer Internetauftritte auch komplementärmedizinische Verfahren in der Therapie einzusetzen, insbesondere bei psychischen Indikationen sowie in der Geburtshilfe und Gynäkologie. Wie häufig diese im Klinikalltag tatsächlich zur Anwendung kommen und ob dies sich auch an der aktuellen Evidenz orientiert, sollte in weiteren Studien untersucht werden.

IntroductionNational and international guidelines recommend early integration of evidence-based multimodal interventions and programs, especially with a focus on relaxation techniques and other Mind–Body-based methods to maintain the quality of life of oncology patients, improve treatment tolerability, and promote healthy lifestyle behaviors. Consequently, we aim to understand what drives patients and how they navigate integrative medicine to best advise them. This study aimed to detect possible topics of particular interest to patients and identify the patient groups that could benefit most from further programs. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate if patients are open-minded toward integrative oncology concepts and learn about their motivational level to maintain or change behavior.MethodsBetween August 2019 and October 2020 we surveyed patients undergoing oncological therapy in a university oncological outpatient center using a custom-developed questionnaire based on established Mind–Body Medicine concepts.ResultsWe included 294 patients with various cancers. More than half reported problems sleeping through (61%) and 42% felt stressed frequently, invariably rating this as detrimental to their health. Moreover, a slight majority (52%) felt physically limited due to their disease and only 30% performed defined exercise programs. Women were significantly more likely to feel stressed and reported with alarming frequency that they often feel “everything was up to them.” The 40–65-year-olds reported significantly less restful sleep, more stress and were more dissatisfied with their situation. However, this group already used natural remedies most frequently and was most often motivated to use relaxation techniques in the next 6 months. The lower the perceived individual energy level (EL), the less frequently patients did sport, the more frequently they felt their disease impaired their activity, mostly feeling stressed and tense. We also found significant associations between negative emotions/thoughts and the variables “sleep,” “use of relaxation techniques,” “personal stress perception,” and “successful lifestyle modification.”ConclusionMind–Body programs that focus on patient’s individual resources, with tools to explore impairing patterns of self-perception and cognitive biases, can be a valuable resource for oncology patients and should therefore be part of an integrative medical treatment concept.

er C ( ) Corrigendum: Every fifth patient su ered a high nutritional risk -Results of a prospective patient survey in an oncological outpatient center.