Background/Aim:
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers (pancreatic, gastric, oesophageal, biliary and liver) significantly affect dietary intake and nutritional status for patients and carers. Tumour-related symptoms, including pain, dysphagia and weight loss, together with treatment-related toxicities such as mucositis, nausea and diarrhoea, can substantially compromise oral intake and nutritional wellbeing. Malnutrition affects up to 80% of people with upper GI cancer and is associated with poorer treatment tolerance, increased morbidity and reduced quality of life. Tailored dietary resources may address evolving information and self-management needs, supporting nutritional wellbeing across the cancer care continuum. This study aimed to identify and prioritise the dietary support needs of people with upper GI cancer using a co-designed consensus approach to inform the development of tailored nutrition resources.
Methods:
A multidisciplinary advisory group (n = 17), comprising clinicians, researchers, patients and carers, guided resource development. Eighteen dietary themes identified through previous project consultation (n = 111) were prioritised using a two-round modified Delphi process. Participants independently ranked each theme, with anonymised group rankings provided between rounds to support re-ranking and consensus development. Final rankings informed the prioritisation of nutrition topics for bespoke resource development.
Results:
The Delphi process informed the development of practical, accessible nutrition resources, including factsheets, webinars, animations and videos for consumers and clinicians. Resources prioritised low-cost, home-based dietary strategies suitable for diverse Australian populations, with consideration of priority populations incorporated into content and design.
Conclusion:
A co-designed, evidence-informed approach incorporating the perspectives of patients, carers and healthcare professionals identified priority nutrition support needs for people with upper GI cancer. The resulting tailored nutrition resources provide a patient-centred supportive care strategy to improve access to relevant dietary information and enhance self-management throughout the cancer care continuum.