Integrating spleen-kidney cotreatment theory into TCM nursing: a novel intervention targeting gastrointestinal dysfunction and quality of life in cancer-associated anorexia
Abstract
Objective
To explore the intervention effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) characteristic nursing, based on the theory of treating the spleen and kidney simultaneously, on gastrointestinal function and quality of life of patients with cancer anorexia.
Methods
Two hundred patients from a tertiary TCM hospital in Zhejiang (July 2023–January 2025) were randomized into experimental (n = 100) and control (n = 100) groups. The control group received conventional Western treatment or care; the experimental group added TCM nursing based on the spleen-kidney theory. Assessments (appetite, gastrointestinal symptoms, quality of life, and body mass index [BMI]) were conducted before, 1, 3, and 6 months after intervention.
Results
Pre-intervention, groups showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). Post-intervention, the experimental group had lower appetite or gastrointestinal symptom scores and higher quality of life or BMI than the control group (P < 0.05), with significant within-group improvements (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
The characteristic nursing of TCM based on the theory of treating the spleen and kidney simultaneously can effectively improve the gastrointestinal function and quality of life of patients with cancer anorexia.
© 2026 Yue Liu, published by Shanxi Medical Periodical Press
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