Experiences of managing nutritional status, of people with oesophagogastric cancer: a qualitative literature review.

Abstract

This literature review sought to explore the experiences of patients with oesophagogastric cancer, of managing their nutritional status, in order to identify how nurses can improve care and support for them. Analysis of data from six primary qualitative research papers led to the development of three themes: ‘feelings associated with eating and maintaining nutritional status’, ‘social disengagement and isolation’, and ‘managing body impairments.’ The challenges of managing nutritional status cause clear psychosocial impacts that influence the wellbeing of patients and their families and that negatively affect their quality of life. These experiences provide a call to action to nurses, to initiate early discussions to assess patients’ individual needs and wishes, to ensure prompt referrals to a Dietitian and Clinical Nurse Specialist in nutrition, where available, and to provide information and signpost support services that facilitate proactive implementation of coping strategies before psychosocial impacts become difficult to overcome.