The webinars covered fundamentals of paediatric nutrition, and nutrition assessment and monitoring. The two sessions were deemed an effective alternative to special nutrition programmes in the ward and allowed healthcare staff to ask questions and better understand individual needs.

Paediatric Nutrition Fundamentals

Session one outlined the importance of nutrition within paediatric oncology, the impact and the definitions of malnutrition. The webinar also drew on malnutrition symptoms, diagnosis and treatment and the importance of early identification using nutrition screening.

Nutrition Assessment and Monitoring

In session two, Erin covered physical exam methods/ assessment, the effects of disease and treatment on nutrition consumption in patients. This session also identified common nutrition education strategies and emphasised the importance of short and long-term nutrition monitoring.

The Need for Nutrition Education

Feedback collected from the two hospitals outlined a clear need for nutrition education and monitoring. Indeed, both under and over-nutrition have adverse consequences on the outcome of childhood cancer. However, due to the busy schedules of doctors and healthcare staff and the lack of resources, the hospitals are unable to appoint specialised nutritionists.