Appropriateness of Adult Parenteral Nutrition Use in a Large Hospital

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the appropriateness of parenteral nutrition (PN) therapy used in clinical practice. A prospective, nonrandomized survey that compared patient characteristics with established guidelines for PN use was conducted in a 686-bed tertiary and teaching hospital over a 6-month period. Registered dietitians collected data from patient charts for the following variables: diagnoses, physicians' reasons for ordering PN, duration of PN therapies, and indicators of gastrointestinal (GI) function. American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition guidelines and indicators of GI function were used to assess the appropriateness of PN. Of 145 initial orders for total parenteral nutrition, 65% were appropriate, 27% were inappropriate, and 8% questionable. Of 87 initial orders for peripheral parenteral nutrition, 54% were appropriate, 32% inappropriate, and 14% questionable. These results indicate a need for better education and awareness of health care professionals on the proper use of nutrition support.

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