Evaluating the effectiveness of nutrition interventions: a pilot study of head and neck cancer patients

The purpose of this study was to i) identify usefiil chnical indicators of nutritional status readily available to Nutritionists at St Vincent's Hospital and ii) provide preliminary data on the effectiveness of their service to head and neck cancer patients. Head and neck cancer patients have been identified as a high risk group for mahiutrition. The specific clinical indicators of weight, body mass index (BMI), triceps skinfold (TSF), mid arm muscle circumference (MAMC), serum albumin, haemoglobin and total lyn^hocyte count (TLC) were evaluated in this population. Each patient was initially assessed on referral to the Clinical Nutritionist. The patient was then assessed weekly until discharge. The initial assessments were then con^ared to the final week's assessment. Nutrient intakes were estimated using a diet history prior to admission, during admission and one week post discharge.