# Clinical Use and Application of Neutropenic Diets for Patients With Cancer: A Cross‐Sectional Survey of Dietitians in Australian Hospitals

## TL;DR

This study surveyed Australian dietitians and found that over half of hospitals still use neutropenic diets, which are meant to reduce infection risk in cancer patients, despite limited evidence of their effectiveness.

## Contribution

The study provides a snapshot of current neutropenic diet practices among Australian hospitals and highlights inconsistencies in their implementation.

## Key findings

- 56% of responding dietitians reported that their hospitals prescribe a neutropenic diet.
- There was 85% consistency in food restrictions but variation in initiation and discontinuation criteria.
- Dietitians' personal views on the diet generally aligned with their hospital's practice (87%).

## Abstract

The neutropenic diet (ND) has historically been prescribed to reduce infection risk in immunocompromised patients with cancer, despite limited supporting evidence. This study aimed to evaluate current practices surrounding ND use in Australian hospitals.

An online survey was distributed to dietitians working with hospitalised patients with cancer. The survey explored dietary practices, foods restricted, initiation and discontinuation criteria, and dietitians' perspectives on ND use.

Overall, 56% of responding dietitians reported that their hospitals prescribe an ND. Among these, there was broad consistency in the restriction of approximately 85% of foods, though considerable variation existed regarding criteria for ND initiation and discontinuation. Dietitians' personal views on ND use generally aligned with their hospital's practice (87.0%).

More than half of Australian hospitals surveyed continue to prescribe an ND, with general consistency in food restrictions but variation in initiation and discontinuation practices. These findings highlight the need for institutional review of ND practices and support the development of evidence‐based food safety education to better guide dietary care for patients with cancer.

Over half (56%) of dietitians in Australia report continued use of neutropenic diets in hospitals.Neutropenic diet protocols showed high consistency (85%) in permitted foods.Given no evidence of reduced infection or mortality, hospitals should review neutropenic diet policies.

Over half (56%) of dietitians in Australia report continued use of neutropenic diets in hospitals.

Neutropenic diet protocols showed high consistency (85%) in permitted foods.

Given no evidence of reduced infection or mortality, hospitals should review neutropenic diet policies.