Computerized system for a nutritional support service

The development of a computerized system for the assistance of a nutritional support service (NSS) is described. A cooperative program exists between the NSS and the Department of Laboratory Medicine, whose computer system is used to support the activities of the NSS. A record is maintained on each patient followed by the NSS (15-20 patients per day). Demographic and anthropometric data, nutritional disorder(s), laboratory data, nutritional support therapy, patient response criteria, and concomitant drug therapy are components of the computer program. Computer reports are provided to the NSS for daily rounds. An automated nutritional assessment program has also been developed. Computer assistance has proven to be a valuable tool to support the patient care, education and research program of the NSS.