UHealth has initiated a food and beverage program aimed at improving nutrition and the overall patient experience within its Comprehensive Treatment Units (CTUs). This initiative, which began on June 1 and will expand through January 2027, represents a shift towards integrating nutrition more deeply into patient care.
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The initiative focuses on incorporating healthy food choices and evidence-based nutritional guidance into cancer treatment, helping patients maintain strength, manage side effects like fatigue and nausea, and support their recovery. By treating food as a crucial aspect of care, UHealth connects patient diets with clinical expertise and nutrition research.
Phase 1 of the initiative launched at four CTU locations: UHealth medical campus in Miami, Lennar Foundation Medical Center, UHealth Doral Medical Center, and UHealth SoLé Mia. The program aims to cultivate a more intentional nutritional approach in settings where patients receive prolonged treatments. Further expansion to additional locations is planned for fall 2026, with complete implementation expected in early 2027.
Jessica MacIntyre, D.N.P., M.B.A., APRN, who manages clinical operations for Sylvester Survivorship and Supportive Care Institute, stated that research highlights food's role in cancer treatment, asserting, "Food has long been recognized as a foundation of health."
The initiative includes a reduction of 25% to 30% in foods high in added sugars and processed deli meats, while increasing healthy options such as vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. New offerings include prepared meals like chicken pesto pasta, and feedback from the Sylvester Patient and Family Advisory Council helped guide food selection to improve patient comfort during treatment.
Research by UHealth emphasizes the importance of nutrition for patient outcomes. Ongoing clinical trials led by Dr. Tracy Crane, who specializes in cancer control and lifestyle medicine, are exploring how nutrition impacts cancer treatment efficacy. Dr. Crane remarked, "Food is not separate from cancer care. It is part of the care environment."
Nutrition is particularly vital during cancer treatment, providing necessary energy and nutrients needed for recovery and muscle maintenance. Patients adhering to healthy lifestyle habits, including nutritious diets, are shown to have a significantly lower risk of cancer recurrence.
Additionally, UHealth is integrating nutrition education into medical training at the Miller School, ensuring that future physicians understand its critical role in patient care. UHealth is committed to transforming how nutrition is approached in health care, aiming to make it a standard part of high-quality treatment and support.