A Qualitative Study Supporting Optimal Nutrition in Advanced Liver Disease-Unlocking the Potential for Improvement

Malnutrition rates in Advanced Liver Disease (ALD) are significantly higher than those in well-compensated liver disease. In addition to its physiological impact, malnutrition is detrimental for quality of life and social, emotional, and psychological well-being. Studies within oncology and renal su...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nutrients 2024-08, Vol.16 (15), p.2403
Main Authors: Ludlow, Shaye, Farragher, Katherine, Squires, Kelly, Heaney, Susan, Orman, Jessica, Pullen, Sarah, Attia, John, Wynne, Katie
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Ascites
Care and treatment
Codes
Consent
Consumers
Female
Humans
Interviews
Liver cirrhosis
liver disease
Liver Diseases
Male
Malnutrition
Malnutrition - diagnosis
Middle Aged
Nutrition
Nutrition Assessment
Nutritional Status
palliative care
Parenteral nutrition
Patients
Peer review
Physiology
Qualitative Research
Quality of Life
Social Support
supportive care
Well being
Citations: Items that this one cites
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Malnutrition rates in Advanced Liver Disease (ALD) are significantly higher than those in well-compensated liver disease. In addition to its physiological impact, malnutrition is detrimental for quality of life and social, emotional, and psychological well-being. Studies within oncology and renal supportive care have identified the influence of non-physiological factors on malnutrition risk. Integrating similar factors into malnutrition screening for ALD could improve identification of at-risk patients to optimize treatment planning. This qualitative study aimed to understand the holistic factors influencing nutritional status in the ALD population. Semi-structured interviews with 21 patients, carers, and clinicians explored the experiences of malnutrition in ALD. Thematic analysis revealed five key themes: (i) appropriateness of healthcare delivery; (ii) health- and food-related factors; (iii) high symptom burden, (iv) social support impacting well-being, and (v) physical and structural supports. Current screening methods do not adequately capture all potential drivers of malnutrition in the ALD population. Adopting a more supportive approach including both physiological and non-physiological factors in ALD malnutrition screening may promote more timely and comprehensive nutritional interventions that address the complex and holistic needs of patients living with ALD.
ISSN:2072-6643
2072-6643
DOI:10.3390/nu16152403