Nutritional Challenges of Hospitalized Cancer Patients from the Perspective of Healthcare Professionals: A Qualitative Study

Background: The present study aimed to explore the nutritional challenges of hospitalized cancer patients from the viewpoint of healthcare professionals. Methods: This qualitative content analysis study was conducted from June 2021 to February 2022 on a sample of nutritionists (researchers and faculty members), dietitians, nurses, and oncologists in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, private/public clinics, research centers, and universities in Tehran, Iran. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews, which continued until data saturation was achieved with a total of 16 participants. Data were analyzed using deductive-inductive content analysis to explore predefined deductive concepts from previous studies and inductive concepts from the interviews. Results: After analyzing data via open coding, eliminating similar codes, and classifying the codes with similar concepts, six main themes emerged. The identified themes included problems related to the nature of the disease and complications of treatment, carelessness about principles of cancer care, lack of awareness and education in patients and medical staff, executive shortcomings, planning and policy-making, and financial and support barriers. Conclusion: Nutritional problems of cancer patients are multidimensional and rooted in diverse challenging issues including problems related to the nature of the disease and treatment, financial barriers, manpower shortages, lack of awareness among patients and healthcare providers, shortcomings related to the healthcare management and executive issues, lack of interorganizational cooperation, and the significant negative impact of severe economic sanctions. Solving these problems needs funding from the government, interdepartmental cooperation between medical universities, healthcare centers, and hospitals, comprehensive and evidence-based healthcare management at the national level, and international collaborations.