Objectives/purpose
To explore the perspectives of healthcare professionals and individuals diagnosed with cancer in regional Western Australia regarding their experiences of nutrition care, unmet needs, barriers and facilitators to nutritional support, and the link between nutrition and psychological wellbeing.
Sample and setting
Eligible participants included: (1) healthcare professionals providing nutrition care; and (2) individuals diagnosed with cancer in the past five years who had completed active treatment, were aged over 18 years, and living within the South West of Western Australia.
Procedures
An exploratory qualitative study design was adopted underpinned by a social constructionist approach whereby we looked at how participants co-constructed what was happening in this applied area, and how people made sense of this and constructed meaning. Online and telephone semi-structured interviews were conducted. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to develop themes.
Results
Seven healthcare professionals and six individuals diagnosed with cancer participated in the study. Three themes were identified with sub-themes: (1) At the individual level: (1a) ‘The new normal’, describing the transitions individuals underwent after receiving their diagnosis, (1b) ‘Food is Medicine’ describing the importance of nutrition in cancer care, (1c) ‘The interplay between nutrition and psychological well-being’. (2) At the organisational level: (2a) ‘Overburdened and understaffed’, (2b) ‘Struggling for support’. (3) At the systems level: (3a) Service delivery, describing individuals’ experiences with and challenges in accessing services, (3b) Bridging the gaps.
Conclusion and clinical implications
Nutrition was identified by healthcare professionals and individuals with cancer as having a major impact on physical and psychological wellbeing. Nutrition care was not available in the way that individuals needed; however, when they did receive support, they found it helpful. Upskilling of nutrition healthcare professionals and improvements to healthcare funding are essential for improving the accessibility of nutrition services in the South West region of Western Australia.