Clinical nutritional practices: A survey by an Oncology Pharmacy Department

Summary Background and aims As part of a quality improvement approach to cancer care, the oncology pharmacy department conducted a survey of clinical nutrition practices. The objective of this study was to assess the healthcare professional's practices related to screening for malnutrition and nutritional management in oncology. Materiel and methods This was a cross-sectional study over a period of eight months in different clinical departments treating cancer patients at the hospitals of the Ibn Sina University Hospital Center in Rabat. The survey was carried out using an anonymous questionnaire based on European and International recommendations in this regard. Results Of the 130 practitioners invited to participate in the study, 77 practitioners completed the questionnaire. Twenty six percent of physicians affirmed that they systematically performed a nutritional assessment. On average, 30.4% of the physicians surveyed carried out a nutritional screening and assessment in accordance to recommendations. On average, 64.33% of physicians stated that they monitor the impact of nutritional therapies on their patients. Conclusion The results of our studies revealed that there is a large discrepancy between nutritional practices and recommendations. Nutritional approaches in which the pharmacist plays a crucial role should be supported. Further studies are desirable.