An evaluation of the effectiveness of using a total parenteral nutrition prescription checklist by pharmacists to monitor patients

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of using a checklist created for pharmacists to monitor patient status after commencing nutrition therapy.

Subjects and Methods: The subjects were patients who were receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) during the 2-year periods either before or after checklist introduction. Checklist items included the five major nutrients, electrolytes, nutrient dosage, and the number of suggested prescriptions.

Results: All pre- and post-checklist patients (272 and 254 patients, respectively) were administered carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins. No alterations were observed with electrolytes and nutrient dosage. However, the percentage of patients with lipid and micronutrient administration significantly increased post-checklist introduction to 32.1% and 28.4%, respectively. The number of suggested prescriptions also increased by 160% post-checklist introduction, with a significant increase in the number of suggestions adopted to 20.4%. Furthermore, it became possible to make suggestions about prescriptions for metabolic complications.

Conclusion: Our results indicate that the use of TPN checklists by pharmacists to monitor patients allowed for sufficient provision of the five major nutrients as well as prescription suggestions regarding metabolic complications.