A qualitative study exploring 'nutrition'-related calls to a Cancer Helpline from people affected by cancer: what are they really about?

Background: People affected by cancer often have concerns about the role nutrition plays in cancer prevention, treatment or recovery. Telephone support services can act as a support mechanism for people to access credible information on a range of topics. Aims: To explore the nature of nutrition-related enquiries to a telephone support service and the role of the oncology nurse in responding to these enquiries. Methods: Nutrition-related calls from September to November 2013 were audited, transcribed and analysed thematically. Results: From the 24 calls included, three key themes emerged: (i) Unmet needs revealed during contact; (ii) Nutrition as a conversation starter; and (iii) Nursing knowledge, intuition, assessment and scope of practice. Discussion: People used nutrition queries as a tangible reason to initiate contact with the telephone support service. In the absence of non-verbal cues, nurses must 'listen between the lines' to recognise when deeper issues may be hiding behind more overt reasons for information seeking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]