Implementation of a Monthly Meal Program for

---

Implementation of a Monthly Meal Program for Hospitalized Oncology Patients University of Kentucky, Kentucky Children’s Hospital, Lexington, KY Dianna Holtzhauer RN, MSN, CPON, Andrea Haggard RN, BSN, APRN, Melissa Horn RN, BSN, CPN, CPHON, Emily McKinney RN, BSN, CPN, CPHON

INTRODUCTION

A diagnosis of pediatric cancer is a considerable disruption in the normal family dynamic. There are disruptions in family member roles and routines while additional demands are placed on caregivers. Theses extra demands often necessitate periods of decreased contact among all members of the family. The family unit, as a whole, is under distress adversely affecting the overall quality of life for each member. The implementation of a social support intervention, a monthly family meal, may positively impact the quality of life for this at risk population. This project identified the need to develop a program that focuses on the need for normalcy in the lives of pediatric oncology patients and their families. A family meal program was initiated with the goal of the project to improve the overall quality of life for oncology patients and their families.

METHODS

The implementation of the monthly meal program is the first phase of a larger qualitative study focusing on the effects of a cancer diagnosis on siblings and families. The meal program was held on the hematology/oncology unit at Kentucky Children’s Hospital. Each month, planning began with selecting a restaurant in the area that would be willing to donate a meal for an average of 25 participants. After a restaurant and date were selected, families that were due to be inpatient during this time would be notified. Parents, patients, and families were all encouraged to attend. On the evening of the event, the playroom on the unit was closed and set up with a “family table” atmosphere. This encouraged families from a variety of backgrounds to come together, reinforcing a normal family dynamic. Nursing staff also coordinated with child life staff to provide activities encouraging family bonding and togetherness during and following the event. Many families treated at Kentucky Children’s Hospital travel extreme distances in order to receive care. The Lexington APHON chapter purchased two air mattresses to accommodate parents and siblings traveling to attend the event. For those patients in isolation, nursing staff delivered meals directly to the room.

OUTCOMES

Through the implementation of this program many expected and unexpected gains were recognized. The consensus of many of our participating families was how nice it was to be a family unit again, even though it was for a short period of time. One family, that had spent a significant amount of times in the hospital, was able to attend out program, with all of the patient’s siblings. The mother stated with gratitude, “It has been so nice to just sit at a table and eat together.” The unexpected gains further validated the need for such a program. One mother, who frequently seemed withdrawn and distant from her son's nurses, opened up and began sharing with staff while at dinner. After all other families had left, she remained and said, “It is great to just not be in our room, to be able to get out and talk to other people.” We also did not anticipate the nutritional gains that we would have. One evening we had a patient who had eaten very little over a period of a month. Little did we know that Chick-Fil-A was his favorite food. Once the meal was over, the child had consumed 20 chicken nuggets and a bowl of ice cream. There is something to be said for a meal that is not supplied by the hospital cafeteria. Perhaps the most significant was the sense of community the family meals fostered. A mother of a newly diagnosed patient with leukemia was struggling with the fact that her daughter would lose her hair once beginning treatment. After attending the first meal, the mother saw the other children without hair. She soon realized that her daughter losing her hair might not be as detrimental as she expected.

To view an electronic version of this poster or to contact the PI, scan the above QR codes

SUMMARY/CONCLUSION

Although the program did not fully function in order to produce the intended outcomes, in relation to sibling inclusion, we clearly achieved a positive impact on the hospitalized patients and families. The meal program was essential in reminding those in attendance that even throughout cancer diagnosis and treatment, the family unit can remain together. Unity can be maintained by simple acts, such as sharing a meal together. By incorporating a family meal program, families were provided an opportunity to spend time together, as a family, in a stress free environment, thereby improving the quality of life for each of its members.

FURTHER RESEARCH

As with all research related to family dynamics, more research needs to be conducted. We plan to further evaluate the travel needs families may incur possibly hindering their ability to attend the meal program. We hope that by finding ways to assist families in travel expenses we will be increase the number of families members in attendance at the family meal program event. The next phase of this study will include the development of a sibling care program. We hope that this will bring awareness to schools and pediatricians about specific issues these children face.