PP294 - KNOWLEDGE OF MEDICAL STUDENTS IN POLAND ON MALNUTRITION AND NUTRITIONAL THERAPY IN ONCOLOGICAL CARE
PP294
KNOWLEDGE OF MEDICAL STUDENTS IN POLAND ON MALNUTRITION AND NUTRITIONAL THERAPY IN ONCOLOGICAL CARE
K. Małgorzewicz1,*, A. Szczęsna1, M. Niedźwiecki2, E. Wasilewska3, M. Paruszewska-Achtel4
1Collegium Medicum UMK in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, 2Department of Pediatrics, Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 3Department of Allergology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, 4Collegium Medicum UMK in Bydgoszcz, Department of Anatomy, Bydgoszcz, Poland
Rationale: Malnutrition is a common problem among oncology patients and constitutes a significant factor influencing the course and effectiveness of anticancer treatment. Despite the growing awareness of the importance of nutritional therapy, this issue remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in clinical practice. The aim of the study was to assess the level of knowledge and competencies of medical students in Poland regarding the recognition of malnutrition and the application of nutritional therapy in oncological care.
Methods: The study was conducted using a diagnostic survey method with questionnaire. A total of 77 medical students from 6 Polish universities participated.
Results: Most respondents reported exposure during studies to clinical nutrition (65.8%), malnutrition and sarcopenia (72.7%), and enteral/parenteral nutrition (70.1%). However, only 47.4% knew the difference between nutritional screening and assessment, and 57.1% could identify patients at risk of malnutrition.
Most identified importance of nutritional therapy for treatment tolerance (81.6%), repeated screening (94.8%), BMI range (83.1%), and energy requirements (83.1%). Increased energy demand in cancer patients was recognized by 80.3%, while 66.2% identified protein requirements and 50.0% knew the correct osmolarity of nutritional preparations.
Nutritional therapy was considered essential in oncological care by 95.9%, and 97.3% believed physicians should have knowledge in this field. Main barriers included lack of time (66.2%) and insufficient training (24.3%)
Conclusion: Medical students in Poland demonstrate a general awareness of malnutrition and nutritional therapy in oncology, as well as a high level of recognition of its importance. However, their knowledge is inconsistent and shows significant gaps, particularly in practical skills related to nutritional assessment, use of screening tools, and detailed aspects of nutritional therapy
Disclosure of Interest: None declared