Oncology Nutrition 2022 Symposium: Advances and Trends in Oncology Nutrition - Palliative Care, Cooking Demonstrations, Weight Bias and Clinician Burnout

This symposium was hosted live on June 10 - 12, 2022.

Come learn about cutting edge oncology nutrition from the leading experts in the field. This bundle of sessions is focused on Palliative Care, Cooking Demonstrations, Weight Bias and Clinician Burnout.

Won’t he starve? A Framework for Discussing Artificial Hydration and Nutrition with Patients who have Terminal Cancer

1. Demonstration
   1. Discussion of artificial nutrition with a terminal cancer patient's spouse - pause when we get to a stuck point after nutritionist suggests it be stopped - "Won't he starve?"
   2. Audience response system to let audience respond with how they are feeling at this juncture.
2. Nutrition at End of Life
   1. Mechanism of death: is not eating due to a physical obstruction vs symptom of cancer progression
   2. Different processes: anorexia-cachexia syndrome, competing mortality of organ failure, withdrawal of artificial nutrition
3. Communication Skills presentation
   1. Discuss responding to emotion skills (NURSE)
   2. Tracking responses
   3. Responding to cultural/religious/personal reluctance to stop artificial nutrition
4. Demonstration
   1. Unpause original demonstration using the skills and information from this didactic
   2. Audience response system to gather phrases/skills observed by the audience that led to a successful encounter
5. Q&A

CPEU: 1.0
CPE Level: 3
Performance Indicators: 1.1.1, 1.3.3, 4.2.7

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the different mechanisms and symptom burdens of death from cancer when artificial nutrition (AHN) is withdrawn
2. Outline a mental model for approaching conversations about withdrawal of AHN
3. Recognize the difference between information and emotional cues in difficult conversations

Speakers:

Max Vergo, MD FAAHPM
Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth
Norris Cotton Cancer Center

Amelia Cullinan, MD
Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth
Norris Cotton Cancer Center

Professional Resilience: Self-Care and Prevention of Burnout

Dr. Deshields will present the concepts of compassion fatigue and burnout, and will review the signs and symptoms of both for the clinician. She will talk about the consequences of burnout for patients and for health care settings. The main focus of the presentation will be on practical strategies for developing professional resilience and combatting compassion fatigue and burnout., with the goal of participants developing a personal coping plan. 

CPEU: 1.0
CPE Level: 3
Performance Indicators: 3.1.1, 3.2.4, 4.2.3

Learning Objectives

1. Identify the manifestations of burnout for the clinician
2. List consequences of burnout for patients and the health care system
3. Describe strategies to promote professional resilience

Speaker:

Teresa Deshields, Ph.D., ABPP
Rush University Medical Center

Setting Up Cooking Demonstrations: A Recipe for Success

Looking to expand your services with cooking demonstrations at your cancer center but unsure where to start? Cooking demonstrations provide an entertaining and educational outlet for RDNs to translate evidence-based nutrition content for cancer patients, cancer survivors, and caregivers. Cooking demonstrations can also build consumer confidence and stimulate behavior change, not only for healthier eating habits, but for food safety, and symptom management.

• Learn the necessary elements needed for providing a cooking demonstration - from electricity to equipment set up for in-person, virtual, or hybrid demonstrations.
• Who can be your partners for success? (i.e. cancer center funds, support services, partnering with other departments, local kitchens, etc...)
• Format for success- literally- how to write your recipes, tray set ups, planning grocery and equipment list that transfers to any cooking demonstration.
• Target Audience: cooking demonstrations are for every audience from survivorship, blenderized tube feeding, holiday and seasonal, and treatment/side effect management, etc...
• Recipe Resources: You don't have to start from scratch. Reviewing what to look for in a recipe, permission access, and adaptation for use.

CPEU: 1.0
CPE Level: 3
Performance Indicators: 2.2.3, 8.5.1, 8.5.3

Learning Objectives

1. Apply evidence-based nutrition information as the foundation for live cooking demonstrations.
2. Outline the steps required to plan, prepare, and adapt a virtual cooking demonstration for various venues and audiences.
3. Demonstrate a virtual cooking class with one nutrient-rich recipe and associated culinary and nutrition talking points.

Speaker:

Elise Cushman, MS, RDN, LD, CSO
Norris Cotton Cancer Center
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

Weight Bias: A Barrier to Compassionate Competent Care and How to Overcome It

Weight bias can’t possibly exist in healthcare, right? Despite decades of science documenting the impact weight bias and weight stigma have on public health, weight bias persists. Individuals are blamed for their weight and disease processes, with common perceptions that weight stigmatization is justifiable and may motivate individuals to adopt healthier behaviors. We will explore how weight bias and stigma can harm cancer patients and how we can overcome it. 

CPEU: 1.0
CPE Level: 3
Performance Indicators: 1.3.2, 4.2.2, 9.1.2

Learning Objectives

1. Define weight bias and weight stigma
2. Describe how weight bias can affect our patients
3. List 3 ways to overcome weight stigma

Speaker:

Brittany Finley, RD
Finley Nutrition