Subjective assessment of patient outcomes of home parenteral nutrition

The medical, financial and psychosocial impact of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) therapy on patients' lives was assessed. A questionnaire that solicited patient characteristics and therapeutic outcomes of HPN therapy, such as number of hospital admissions, physiological complaints, and psychosocial interferences, was sent to 49 patients currently participating in a HPN program based at a university hospital. Questionnaires were returned by 42 patients. HPN-related complications were responsible for 39% of all reported hospital admissions during the previous year; of these, 27% were related to HPN catheters. Patients reported few physiological complaints, except for cramping in the hands and feet. Patients who complained of diarrhea had significantly more physiological complaints and psychosocial interferences than those who did not. The majority of patients had medical insurance coverage, but 26% had to pay at least part of the costs of HPN therapy. Only 25% of patients who were able to work did so. Most patients believed that HPN therapy had a very positive effect on their lives. The majority of patients in this HPN program appear to have a reasonable quality of life.