Nutrition Knowledge in Oncology Nursing: A Cross‐Sectional Analysis of Care and Practice Implications

BACKGROUND: Cancer-related malnutrition affects 40%-90% of oncology patients and contributes to increased treatment toxicity and mortality. Nurses play a pivotal role in early nutritional screening and intervention, yet their nutritional competencies remain insufficiently investigated, particularly in specialised oncology settings. AIM: To evaluate the nutritional competencies of nurses, considering both their general nutritional knowledge and their specific expertise related to nursing practice. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: A total of 91 oncology nurses from Northern Italy participated, completing a validated nutritional knowledge questionnaire and a self-assessment of their competencies. Associations between demographic factors and knowledge scores were analysed. RESULTS: The mean knowledge score was 20.0 ± 1.9 out of 30, indicating moderate understanding. Nurses aged 51-60 and those with over 10 years of experience scored significantly higher (p < 0.05). No significant association was found between education level and knowledge scores. Nurses reported low confidence in using malnutrition screening tools, and self-assessed competencies did not correlate with actual knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Oncology nurses possess moderate nutritional knowledge, with professional experience contributing more than formal education. Implementing comprehensive nutrition education at the undergraduate level, continuous professional development and fostering interprofessional collaboration are essential to enhance the quality of care and improve patient outcomes in oncology settings. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The findings highlight the need for enhanced nutritional education for oncology nurses to improve their confidence and competence in nutritional care. This is crucial for providing optimal care and improving patient outcomes in oncology settings. PATIENT AND PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The study underscores the importance of involving oncology nurses in continuous education and interprofessional collaboration, ultimately benefiting patients through better management of nutrition-related issues in cancer care.