Computer-assisted TPN calculations: time savings and improved accuracy associated with use of a minicomputer

A pediatric TPN computer program, written in Cobol 74 machine language, was developed for use on a minicomputer system. The program calculates the volume of each ingredient needed to prepare a pediatric TPN solution, generates a recipe work card and labels, calculates clinical monitoring information for each patient and develops a clinical monitoring profile for the pharmacist to use in monitoring parenteral nutrition therapy. Use of the program resulted in a significant reduction (71%) in the time needed ot complete TPN calculations. Significant decreases in calculation and labeling errors were also realized.