The role of nutrition in palliative care nursing: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND

Nutrition in palliative care is vital for improving the quality of life for chronically ill people. In this context, nurses aid in bridging the gap between palliative care and nutrition by furthering their knowledge and competencies and, ultimately, providing quality care to patients.

AIM: This study aims to analyse nurses' attitudes and knowledge on nutrition in the palliative setting.

METHODS

This scoping review was conducted by following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines during the months of May-June 2024.

RESULTS

Nurses can promote high-quality holistic care through ongoing education. Nutritional interventions, evaluation scales and tools and symptom management, can prevent malnutrition and reduce complications. Nurses and key members of the care team are responsible for assessing nutritional needs, managing symptoms and providing personalised interventions to enhance comfort and reduce distress.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, a patient-centered approach with evidence-based nutritional interventions ensures dignified and compassionate care during this period of care.