Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/52990
Title: Nutritional support in cancer patients : radiographers’ perceptions and confidence
Authors: Dimitrova, Angelina Yurieva
Keywords: Cancer -- Patients -- Malta
Cancer -- Nutritional aspects -- Malta
Cancer -- Treatment -- Malta
Radiography, Medical -- Malta
Issue Date: 2019
Citation: Dimitrova, A. Y. (2019). Nutritional support in cancer patients : radiographers’ perceptions and confidence (Bachelor’s dissertation).
Abstract: Purpose: to explore the perceptions and confidence of radiographers working in a local Oncology Centre in regard to their ability to identify malnutrition in patients and provide patients with the appropriate dietary intervention. This study is relevant since the compatible body of literature is limited and no similar study has been previously conducted in the local setting. Objectives: to modify a questionnaire and administer it to radiographers in order to acquire and statistically analyse data on radiographers’ perceptions and confidence in relation to the nutritional advice that they generally provide to on-treatment patients. Methodology: A cross-sectional, prospective, non-experimental method, using a quantitative approach was employed. An existing survey was modified, using literature guidelines and recommendations, to suit the aims and objectives of this study. The resultant questionnaire was distributed to all qualified radiographers working in the Radiotherapy Department of a selected Oncology Centre and the data acquired was analysed using simple descriptive statistics. Results: Eighty-six percent of respondents indicated that patients asked for advice on nutrition-related issues. Eight (36.4%) of the participant did not have previous training on nutritional interventions and 100% of radiographers expressed interest in receiving information or training to assist in nutritional management of side effects and referral to a dietitian. Eighty-two percent (n=18) of participants stated that a protocol for referrals to dietitians was available at their clinical site, however, only two respondents indicated that they referred patients to a dietitian sometimes (n=1) or routinely (n=1). Radiographers self-rated as confident and knowledgeable in regard to identifying patients in need of nutritional interventions, as well as in their ability to deliver the appropriate nutritional support. This was supported by the high level of coincidence between radiographers’ perceptions on the appropriate nutritional management of side effects with literature recommendations. Conclusions: Findings suggest that radiographers are confident and proficient in recognising and providing patients with the appropriate nutritional interventions. However, only two radiographers referred patients to dietitians sometimes or routinely and all radiographers indicated that they would like assistance. Based on the results, the researcher proposed additional training, implementation of scripted nutritional advice and further studies into the perceptions and confidence of other healthcare professionals, as well as patients and their relatives.
Description: B.SC.(HONS)RADIOGRAPHY
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/52990
Appears in Collections:Dissertations - FacHSc - 2019
Dissertations - FacHScRad - 2019

Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat 
19BSRAD005.pdf
  Restricted Access
4.27 MBAdobe PDFView/Open Request a copy


Items in OAR@UM are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.