Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39119613›Full record

ArticleFrontiers in pharmacology2024

The dynamics of food for special medical purposes (FSMPs) utilization in cancer care: from doctor recommendations to online pharmacy procurement.

Marius Călin Chereches, Cristian Olimpiu Popa, Hajnal Finta

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Frontiers in pharmacology, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
6citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

6 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Review
  2. Review
  3. Article
  4. Observational
  5. Review
  6. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Marius Călin CherechesFaculty of Pharmacy, "George Emil Palade" University of Medicine, Pharmacy Science and Technology, Târgu Mures, Romania.
Cristian Olimpiu PopaThe Institute of International Relations and Area Studies, Faculty of European Studies, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Hajnal FintaFaculty of Pharmacy, "George Emil Palade" University of Medicine, Pharmacy Science and Technology, Târgu Mures, Romania.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

This cross-sectional study conducted in Romania examines the increasing role of online pharmacies in providing Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) to cancer patients. Key findings indicate patient satisfaction with ease of access, significant challenges related to costs, and the critical role of healthcare professionals in guiding FSMP selection.

introductionAs cancer treatments advance, the demand for supportive nutritional care becomes increasingly critical, with FSMPs playing a vital role in patient recovery and quality of life.

methodsEmploying a cross-sectional study design, we surveyed cancer patients from Romania to assess their experiences purchasing FSMPs through traditional and online pharmacies. We analyzed the factors influencing their choices, the perceived benefits and challenges of online access, and the role of healthcare professional guidance in their decision-making process.

resultsThe study reveals that while patients appreciate the ease of access and the broad spectrum of available FSMPs online, they grapple with the financial burden and the need for reliable information to make informed decisions. Through a cross-sectional analysis, we found that the expertise and recommendations of healthcare professionals remain integral to the FSMP selection process, suggesting that digital solutions should enhance, not replace, traditional healthcare interactions. Moreover, our findings highlight a crucial gap in the taste and variety of FSMPs, suggesting that patient adherence could be improved through product innovation. The study found a significant association between the type of medical unit where patients followed their treatment (state-owned clinic) and whether they received recommendations from a specialist oncologist for using FSMPs. Nutritionists' recommendations were also significantly associated with a higher likelihood of purchasing FSMPs online. DISCUSSIONS: The study reveals that despite the benefits of digital access, a crucial need exists for regulatory measures and professional oversight to ensure the safe and informed use of FSMPs. The trust placed in healthcare professionals' recommendations continues to be instrumental in navigating the digital marketplace.

conclusionThis work paves the way for future strategies to integrate online solutions with established healthcare practices to optimize cancer care in the digital age.

Indexed as

cancer nutritioncancer patientsfood for special medical purposesFSMPsnutrientsonline pharmacypharmacy

Identifiers

PMID39119613
PMCPMC11307204

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.