Leads: Katie Tsoupakis,  Eleah Stringer      

 

The purpose of this study is to examine the timing and frequency of feeding tube use among head and neck cancer patients at BC Cancer, and to understand patients’ preferences for receiving information about feeding tubes.

This dietitian-led study (PI Eleah Stringer) involves collaboration between BC Cancer dietitians and UBC Master of Nutrition and Dietetics students. This project is supported by the BC Cancer Foundation through a Research Award ($25,000 ) administered by the Nursing and Allied Health Research and Knowledge Translation department.

Study Background & Rationale:

Enteral feeding during head and neck cancer treatment across BC Cancer: Exploring current practices and patients' experiences.  

For people facing head and neck cancer, being told you might need a feeding tube can feel overwhelming in an already challenging time.  

This study aims to determine how often and when in their cancer journey do people with head and neck cancer (HNC) in BC need feeding tubes, and how they would like to have information about feeding tubes shared with them. 

It involves two parts:

  • A retrospective chart review to determine rates of tube feeding among people with HNC
  • Group interviews with people with HNC to co-create a list of speaking point recommendations for oncologist.
 

Study Objectives:

To examine the timing and frequency of feeding tube use among head and neck cancer patients at BC Cancer, and to understand patients’ preferences for receiving information about feeding tubes.

Recruitment of Participants

We are currently recruiting participants for this study! To learn more about the study and how to participate, please refer to the  infographic below:

 

Questions?

If you are interested in participating in this work or would like to learn more, please contact:

Project lead: Katie Tsoupakis at katie.tsoupakis@bccancer.bc.ca

Principal Investigator: Eleah Stringer at eleah.stringer@bccancer.bc.ca 

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