Construction of an Evidence-based Practice Protocol for Perioperative Nutritional Optimization in Esophageal Cancer Patients

Objective: To construct an evidence-based practice plan for perioperative nutritional optimization in esophageal cancer patients. Methods: By systematically searching relevant guidelines at home and abroad, two experts independently assessed the quality of the guidelines, extracted valuable evidence and recommendations, and initially formed a draft nursing program. Subsequently, an expert panel was organized to conduct a detailed discussion to review the practicality and effectiveness of the recommendations one by one, and the program was finally revised and improved. Results: The protocol covered four stages of patients’ admission, preoperative, postoperative, and discharge, involving specific contents such as nutritional assessment, risk screening, dysphagia assessment, nutritional therapy, enteral and parenteral nutritional support, symptom management, and health education. The program included a total of 61 entries, with 33 class A recommendations and 28 class B recommendations. Conclusion: The constructed perioperative nutritional care program for esophageal cancer patients is scientific and practical, and can provide practical guidance for clinical care.