title: A nutrition referral priority rating system in an outpatient oncology centre.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  An oncology nutrition referral priority rating system (NRPRS) was developed and evaluated as a tool to classify patients into nutrition risk categories and allocate reasonable wait times.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective chart audit (n=112), patient focus groups (n=14), and a prospective chart audit (n=179) were conducted to refine the tool. Using the NRPRS, the dietitians assigned a priority rating from the information on the referral and then compared it with a second rating after the first visit. Education to referring staff was provided to improve the completeness of referrals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients rated at highest nutrition risk (priorities 1 and 2 [P1 and P2]) had a rating similar to the dietitian's after the first visit (P1, 97%; P2, 84%). Incomplete referrals were assigned a P3 rating. This may explain the discrepancy in ratings for P3 referrals (64%). After education, essential information on the referral form increased by 26%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The NRPRS is an effective tool for prioritizing high-risk patients when referrals are completed fully. The next step is to validate the NRPRS now that computerized order entry is implemented in the cancer clinic.
authors.affiliation: Supportive Care Oncology Research Unit, Regional Cancer Program, Hôpital régional de Sudbury Regional Hospital, Sudbury, ON, Canada. cmayer@hrsrh.on.ca
authors.forename: Carole
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mayer
authors.forename: Kerri
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Loney
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lamoureux
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gauthier-Frohlick
mesh_terms: D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012189:Retrospective Studies