Nutrition Support Programs for Patients with Advanced Cancer: An Integrative Review
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Abstract
Introduction: This integrative review aims to synthesize existing conceptual frameworks and theories underpinning nutritional support programs, identify their key components, and evaluate the outcomes associated with these interventions for patients with advanced cancer. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple electronic databases including PubMed, Cochrane, Medline, and ThaiJO, covering literature published between 2015 and 2024. The keywords used for searching included “palliative care” OR “palliative care for cancer patients” OR “end of life cancer patients” OR “cancer hospice care” OR “Advanced Cancer Palliative Care” AND “nutrition intervention” OR “nutrition intervention” OR “Dietary Support” OR “Nutrition Support Program” AND “improve nutrition status” OR “Optimized Nutritional Status,” as well as "chronic disease nutrition promotion". Following the application of inclusion criteria, a total of 10 pertinent articles were selected for assessment. Conclusions: The synthesis revealed that the formulation of nutritional promotion programs for patients with advanced cancer were grounded in two principal conceptual frameworks: 1) nutritional therapy in cancer patients, and 2) the family systems theory. The intervention characteristics indicate a multimodal approach categorized into three activities: 1) a nutritional counseling program combined with nutrition support, 2) a nutrition counselling program integrated with physical activity and/or symptom management and/or family involvement, and 3) digital platform-based nutritional promotion applications. The results of these programs demonstrated that the majority of the patients with advanced cancer exhibited enhancements in nutritional conditions, with positive outcomes observed over intervention approximately 6 weeks to 12 months.
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