Keywords

Nutrition, Nutrition assessment, Nutrition screening, Nutrition screening tools

 

Authors

  1. Kubrak, Catherine RN, PhD(c)
  2. Jensen, Louise PhD, RN

Abstract

Malnutrition ranges from 20% to 80% in oncology patients. Malnutrition has been associated with reduced response to treatment, survival, and quality of life. Therefore, screening for malnutrition in patients with cancer is recommended by clinical practice groups including the Oncology Nursing Society. Nurses are in an ideal position to carry out nutrition screening. Three nutrition screening tools that have been recommended for use with oncology patients by the Oncology Nursing Society are critically evaluated. The Patient Generated-Subjective Global Assessment has demonstrated diagnostic value in oncology patients at risk of malnutrition or who are malnourished.