Quantifying the impact of standardized assessment and symptom management tools on symptoms associated with cancer-induced anorexia cachexia syndrome.

The objective of this study was to quantify the impact of standardized assessment and management tools on patient symptom scores in cancer-induced anorexia cachexia syndrome (ACS) using a within-group study design. Baseline assessments included the Patient Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) tool and an amended Symptoms and Concerns Checklist (SCC). Symptom management strategies, written for this project, were instigated.

A questionnaire study of the approach to the anorexia-cachexia syndrome in patients with cancer by staff in a district general hospital.

Goals Of Work: This questionnaire study was designed to investigate understanding, assessment and management of cancer-related anorexia-cachexia syndrome (ACS) amongst hospital staff.

Methods: Qualified nurses and doctors on general medical and surgical wards within a district general hospital were asked to complete a questionnaire enquiring about understanding of the term cachexia, routine assessment of commonly associated symptoms and approaches to management of three commonly associated symptoms (poor appetite, early satiety and dry mouth).

Main Results: One hundred seventeen questionnaires were distributed with 100 returned (86% response rate).