Nursing Approach and Interventions to Prevent Nutritional Deficiencies in Paediatric Oncology: a Scoping Review.

[AIM] This review aimed to describe how nursing care is reported to prevent nutritional deficiencies in paediatric oncology care.

[BACKGROUND] Paediatric oncology patients are at risk of nutritional deficits due to several factors, such as the treatment, side effects, family situation, and well-being.

[METHODS] This review followed JBI methodology for scoping reviews and reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Searches were conducted using the databases PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL. The analysis was conducted according to deductive content methodology. Findings were categorised using an existing model for causes of nutritional deficit in paediatric oncology care.

[RESULTS] The search identified 1736 published articles, and 32 were included. Nurses can reduce nutritional deficits by conducting symptom assessment and screening, educating the family, planning, documenting, coordinating care, building a positive environment and helping the child to cope through playfulness.

[CONCLUSIONS] Nutritional nursing care in paediatric oncology is complex and multifaceted. Several aspects must be considered to prevent nutritional deficits in paediatric cancer care. Nurses' approach and interventions in nutritional care in paediatric oncology involve a plethora of skills and knowledge, from assessment of symptoms to administration of drugs to patient and family collaboration and customised care.