The development, testing, and preliminary feasibility of an adaptable pediatric oncology nutrition algorithm for low‑middle income countries

C. A. K. Fleming, K. Viani, A. J. Murphy, T. T. Mosby, B. Arora, J. Schoeman, E. J. Ladas

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

PURPOSE: Despite advances in the field of pediatric oncology, which have contributed to an overall increase in event‑free survival, high rates of malnutrition in low‑middle income countries (LMICs) is still a major concern. This paper aims to describe the multifaceted development process of a nutrition intervention algorithm for pediatric oncology in LMIC. METHODS: The development of evidence‑based algorithm took place over seven developmental phases, utilizing an interdisciplinary process with the clinical review. Phase 1: Collaboration with the International Paediatric Oncology Nutrition Group. Phase 2: Review of peer‑reviewed literature for evidence‑based algorithm. Phase 3: Draft algorithm development. Phase 4: Draft algorithm presented at international meetings for stakeholder feedback. Phase 5: Consultation with LMIC dieticians to identify additional needs and feasibility of the algorithm in resource‑poor settings. Phase 6: Review of the final draft algorithm by an expert panel. Phase 7: Pilot and Preliminary Feasibility. RESULTS: The nutrition algorithm was piloted in three LMIC countries (Brazil, South Africa and India). Overall the LMIC nutrition intervention algorithm was considered feasible for use with a “yes” response to the question “was the algorithm useful to know what nutrition to give the child and when” 90% of the time, rendering to the tool feasible. However, the testing process did identify several limitations that need to be considered in future versions. CONCLUSIONS: This comprehensive collaborative process with interdisciplinary health professionals has successfully developed a pediatric oncology nutrition intervention algorithm for LMIC. Further feasibility testing and a longitudinal study are required.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)225-228
Number of pages4
JournalIndian Journal of Cancer
Volume52
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015

Open Access - Access Right Statement

This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution‑NonCommercial‑ShareAlike 3.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/), which allows others to remix, tweak, and build upon the work non‑commercially, as long as the author is credited and the new creations are licensed under the identical terms.

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