The Gaps between Nutrition Support Guidelines and the Applications of Parenteral Nutrition

Abstract

Objective/Aim/HypothesisThe literature suggests that gaps exist between nutrition support guidelines and the actual process of ordering/prescription, compounding and administration. The purpose is to describe the gaps, to summarize the reasons, and to present possible solutions to improve parenteral nutrition (PN) safety.Methods/Design/ApproachThis is a pilot study and provides the rationale for the data collection project. Ten articles were reviewed (n=10). Several key words, such as quality, parenteral nutrition, energy intake and quality assurance, were used in searching in the database of ASN, ASPEN, CIHANL, and PubMed. Study outcomes were provided according to the current categories of PN safety: Ordering/prescription, compounding and administration.Results and/or Implications30% of the articles indicate inadequate PN administration, 70% of articles display noncompliance with nutritional support guidelines, 20% of articles inform inappropriate PN. In this literature review, the gaps mainly occur in ordering/prescription (n=7) and administration (n=8).Conclusion(s)Drug shortages, lack of Nutrition Support Team in the facility, insufficient communication between medical care team members, and insufficient education among medical care team were listed as source of the conditions. Possible suggestions were included to establish the Nutrition Support Team, to increase communication between healthcare team members, and periodical training sessions.Support or Funding InformationNone