Abstract 410P
Background
Oesophageal stents are used as a form of palliative treatment to allow patients with an oesophageal obstruction to improve their quality of life by assisting them to eat and drink orally. There are no current dietetic guidelines, so service provision and information given varies. The aim was to determine what nutritional advice is provided by registered dietitians, and the services in place to provide this intervention.
Methods
A 16-question online survey designed by the British Dietetic Association (BDA) Gastrointestinal (GI) oncology subgroup, including multiple choice and open-ended questions was sent out to registered dietitians between May-June 2023. Multiple choice questions were reported using descriptive statistics and open-ended questions were analysed through thematic analysis.
Results
A total of 48 questionnaires were returned by email from a range of NHS and private hospitals across the UK and Republic of Ireland. 90% (n 43) of stents were placed endoscopically with a mean wait time of 1-2 weeks. Swallow tests after placement were routinely performed in 10% (n 5) of services. 92% (n 44) of services had a dietitian provide dietary information post stent insertion (n 16 Oncology dietitian, n 24 Upper GI dietitian, n 4 ward dietitian) with 69% (n 33) providing the information during the admission. Written dietary advice is provided to patients post oesophageal stent insertion; 65% (n 31) of respondents used their own information and 25% (n 12) used one by Boston Scientific™. The remaining respondents used a combination of the above. Table: 410P
| 1 day | 1-2 days | 2-3 days | 3-5 days | Patient tolerance | Clinician decision | No advice | |
| Days patients advised to follow a liquid diet? (n) | 20 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 7 |
| Days patients advised to follow a puree diet? (n) | 11 | 11 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 15 |
Response for number of days patients are advised to follow a liquid and pureed diet after oesophageal stent insertion (n 48). The open-ended questions on specific food advice showed varied and conflicting advice between services.
Conclusions
Advice varies between services, often based on different written advice and professional opinion, highlighting the need for further research.
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.