Nurses’ Knowledge in Relation to the Anorexia–Cachexia Syndrome in Cancer Patients: A Cross-National Comparison in Two European Countries

Abstract

Introduction The Anorexia–Cachexia Syndrome (ACS) is a severe complication of cancer and is considered to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality affecting up to two-thirds of cancer patients and one that needs specialized nursing care. Studies showed that the ACS has been relatively under-researched and under-resourced whist the nurses’ knowledge has not been systematically explored. Objective Τo explores nurses’ knowledge, understanding, and management of ACS in clinical practice in two European countries. Methods Descriptive-comparative study with 197 cancer nurses recruited during two National Conferences in Greece and Cyprus. Data were retrieved with the “Investigation of anorexia–cachexia syndrome in Practice” questionnaire. Results In terms of nurses’ perceptions on ACS, the prevailing characteristic reported in both countries was anorexia ( p = .65) followed by weight loss ( p = .04). 189 nurses (95.9%, p = .176) do not currently use a tool to assess patients’ nutritional status as part of their standard clinical practice. Statistically significant differences were found in relation to the routine assessment of nutritional-related symptoms including early satiety (Cyprus 64% vs. Greece 37%, p = .001), hiccough (66% vs. 36%, p < .001), alteration of the taste/odor sensation (77% vs. 45%, p < .001), problems in the oral cavity (84% vs. 68%, p = .032) and daily activities (85% vs. 69%, p = .032). The priority level for the ACS management differed significantly in the two countries ( p = .006), with higher priority being reported in Cyprus. Conclusion The study showed that more education is needed for cancer nurses to better understand the ACS which can facilitate the better management of the syndrome in clinical practice.

Perceived communication efficacy and unmet needs for chemotherapy-associated symptom management in patients with lung and colorectal cancer: a cross-sectional study

“…Despite the importance of introducing these interventions clinically, there is a lack of clinical guidelines as well as data to inform such practice, particularly in the acute care setting [ 43 ]. Similarly, decreased appetite has also been reported as a debilitating chemotherapy-triggered symptom but is often underappreciated and undermanaged in cancer care [ 44 ]. Although poor appetite inducing malnutrition has been widely recognized, current cancer supportive care regimens specifically targeting chemotherapy-related appetite loss are sparse and unavailable to many remote and regional settings [ 44 – 46 ].…”

The role of pharmacists in multimodal cancer cachexia care

“… 49 It is reported that knowledge and education related to cancer cachexia is lacking among medical professionals; that multidisciplinary cooperation cannot be practiced; that the roles and responsibilities of each team member are not clearly defined. 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 Clinical trials of multidisciplinary interventions which combine drug therapy, nutritional therapy, and exercise therapy are currently underway, and it is hoped that the results will lead to the broad development and implementation of multidisciplinary patient support systems across medical institutions.…”

The role of the nurse in meeting the educational needs for self-care in cachectic cancer patients and their family caregivers: A scoping review

“… Japan Socratous et al. 13 2021 n ​= ​197, cancer nurses 75% report no formal education in cachexia. Greece and Cyprus Murphy et al.…”

“…Nurses may be educating patients and their family members in cancer cachexia and its management, with their contribution unstudied and, therefore, not reported. Yet surveys of cancer and palliative care clinician knowledge and practice of guideline recommended cachexia care have found a lack of formal education and know-how 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ( Table 1 ).…”