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McLean C, Turner N, Dragicevich H, Lee C, Desmares-Matters M. Evaluation of a Structured Nutrition Competence Program for Dietitian Assistants. J Allied Health 2022; 51:38-42. [PMID: 35239759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the perspectives of dietitian assistants in a tertiary teaching hospital in Sydney, Australia, following the implementation of a formal competence and professional development program. METHODS All currently employed dietitian assistants at a tertiary teaching hospital in Sydney were eligible to participate. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken by two student dietitians. Transcripts were returned to participants for interviewee transcript review and further clarification of information. Transcripts were qualitatively described. RESULTS A total of 9 dietitian assistants participated in interviews in October 2019. The average age of participants was 45.11 yrs (range 29-59) and 90% were female (n=8). The average length of employment was 197 months (range 3-516). Three themes emerged including: (a) new job satisfaction, (b) positive influence of the dietitian assistant educator, and (c) challenges of new processes and responsibilities. CONCLUSION A supported structured competence and professional development program has provided dietitian assistants with new skills and renewed job satisfaction. Further research should consider the impact of the newly developed skills of dietitian assistants on patient care and outcome measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron McLean
- Nutrition and Dietetics Dep., St. George Hospital, Gray Street, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia. Tel +612 9113 2752.
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Reece L, Dragicevich H, Lewis C, Rothwell C, Fisher OM, Carey S, Alzahrani NA, Liauw W, Morris DL. Preoperative Nutrition Status and Postoperative Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy. Ann Surg Oncol 2019; 26:2622-2630. [PMID: 31123932 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-019-07415-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a complex surgery to treat peritoneal surface malignancy (PSM). PSM and gastrointestinal (GI) resection from CRS can lead to significant GI symptoms and malnutrition. There is limited research into the nutrition status of this patient group and the impact of malnutrition on morbidity. OBJECTIVE This study aims to determine if preoperative malnutrition, assessed using the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), is associated with postoperative morbidity and increased length of stay (LOS) in patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC for PSM. METHODS This study prospectively assessed the nutritional status of patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC using a validated nutrition assessment tool. Preoperative clinical symptoms, Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI), intraoperative blood transfusions, operative time, GI resections, postoperative morbidity, and LOS, as well as pre- and postoperative nutritional interventions, were recorded. The impact of preoperative nutritional status was assessed in relation to postoperative complications and hospital LOS. RESULTS The study included 102 participants; 34 patients (33%) were classified as malnourished (SGA = B or C). Preoperative weight loss (15% vs. 74%; p ≤ 0.001) and the presence of clinical symptoms (18% vs. 47%; p = 0.002) were significantly higher in malnourished patients. While PCI, intraoperative blood transfusions, and GI resections were independent predictors of morbidity, malnutrition was significantly associated with infectious complications and LOS. For each grade of worsening malnutrition, LOS increased by an average of 7.65 days. CONCLUSIONS Preoperative malnutrition is prevalent in patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC and postoperative morbidity is common. Malnutrition is linked to LOS and plays a role in postoperative outcomes such as infection. Clear pre- and postoperative nutrition pathways are needed to optimize nutrition support and postoperative recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Reece
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, St George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW, Australia.,Liver and Peritonectomy Unit, Department of Surgery, St George Hospital, University of New South Wales, Research and Education Centre, Kogarah, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Helen Dragicevich
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, St George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW, Australia
| | - Claire Lewis
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Caila Rothwell
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Oliver M Fisher
- Liver and Peritonectomy Unit, Department of Surgery, St George Hospital, University of New South Wales, Research and Education Centre, Kogarah, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sharon Carey
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nayef A Alzahrani
- Liver and Peritonectomy Unit, Department of Surgery, St George Hospital, University of New South Wales, Research and Education Centre, Kogarah, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,College of Medicine, Al Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Winston Liauw
- Liver and Peritonectomy Unit, Department of Surgery, St George Hospital, University of New South Wales, Research and Education Centre, Kogarah, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cancer Care Clinic, St George Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David L Morris
- Liver and Peritonectomy Unit, Department of Surgery, St George Hospital, University of New South Wales, Research and Education Centre, Kogarah, Sydney, NSW, Australia. .,St George & Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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