Implementation of malnutrition screening tool initiative in community cancer center for cycle 1 day 1, change in regimen, and new metastatic disease patients from Sept.–March 2022.

Abstract

367 Background: Identification of patients at risk for malnutrition is imperative to provide early nutrition intervention. Patients undergoing cancer therapy are at risk for developing a variety of side effects that impact their intake, absorption, and nutritional status while undergoing antineoplastic therapy. Methods: 2021 Q4 Pilot: Implemented Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) to identify patients at risk of malnutrition for C1D1 patients only during the Nurse Navigator visit. If the MST score is <2, but a patient requests Dietitian Counseling, a patient would be referred to the RD. If score is clinically significant, > or = 2, Nurse Navigator referred to the RD, including rationale and additional detail (i.e., amount of weight loss, poor appetite, etc.). RD reviewed all referrals related to the MST and completes further assessment and intervention if appropriate. 2022 Q4: Screening utilizing the MST was standardized during Nurse Navigator visits for all C1D1 patients, patients with new metastatic disease, patients with change in regimen and new oral therapy patients. Results: See table. Conclusions: Of the patients screened with the NCCN Distress Thermometer, 67% of those patients were identified to be screened for Malnutrition. Of the patients who were screened with the MST, ~ 26% of the patients were identified to be at risk for malnutrition. Early identification of malnutrition in treatment will result in early intervention and assessment by the dietitian to prevent poor outcomes.[Table: see text]