Nutrition support teams: Institution, evolution, and innovation

Area of Science:

• Clinical Nutrition
• Healthcare Management
• Team Science

Background:

• Nutrition support teams (NSTs) originated to manage parenteral nutrition safely.
• Early NSTs utilized a multidisciplinary approach, formalized by the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) in 1976.
• Healthcare policy changes, like the 1983 inpatient prospective payment system, impacted NST funding and function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the historical evolution and innovations of nutrition support teams (NSTs).
• To discuss the transition towards transdisciplinary and patient-centered care models.
• To explore future directions for NSTs in optimizing nutrition support.

Main Methods:

• Historical review and analysis of the development of nutrition support teams.
• Examination of the shift from multidisciplinary to transdisciplinary practice.
• Discussion of factors influencing NST membership, leadership, and integration into healthcare systems.

Main Results:

• NSTs have evolved significantly over six decades, adapting to healthcare changes.
• The concept of transdisciplinarity, emphasizing function over discipline, is increasingly adopted.
• Adaptations include "top-of-license" practice and integration of nutrition support into broader healthcare teams.

Conclusions:

• NSTs have transformed from a multidisciplinary to a more flexible, transdisciplinary model.
• Future innovations aim to personalize nutrition support for each patient.
• Nutrition care is recognized as a fundamental human right, guiding future NST development.