Background: Cachexia is defined as the on-going loss of skeletal muscle mass that cannot be fully reversed by\nconventional nutritional support. It is found in up to 80% of patients with advanced cancer and has profound\npsycho-social consequences for patients and their families. Previous studies demonstrate that many healthcare\nprofessionals receive little formal education in cachexia management leading them to feel that they have limited\nunderstanding of the syndrome and cannot intervene effectively. This study aims to examine the value of a\ndedicated cachexia clinic and its influence on staff understanding and practice.\nMethods: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted. The study employed semi-structured interviews with a\nrange of healthcare professionals responsible for designing and delivering cancer care in a large teaching hospital\nin Australia. This hospital had a dedicated cachexia clinic.\nResults: In-depth interviews were conducted with 8 healthcare professionals and senior managers. Four themes\nwere identified: formal and informal education; knowledge and understanding; truth telling in cachexia and\npalliative care; and, a multi-disciplinary approach. Findings show that improved knowledge and understanding\nacross a staff body can lead to enhanced staff confidence and a willingness to address cancer cachexia and its\nconsequences with patients and their families.\nConclusion: Comparisons with similar previous research demonstrate the advantages of providing a structure for\nstaff to gain knowledge about cachexia and how this can contribute to feelings of improved understanding and\nconfidence necessary to respond to the challenge of cachexia.
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