Impact of a nutritional support service on VA surgical patients

The impact of a multidisciplinary Nutritional Support Service (NSS) on the reduction of complication was evaluated in 78 consecutive patients who received total parenteral nutrition (TPN) on the same VA surgical service. Patients were placed into one of three groups (pre-NSS, transition-NSS, post-NSS) based on the evolution of the NSS. A significant reduction in catheter sepsis was observed and was attributable to the establishment of an NSS, specifically, a nurse specialist and protocols for catheter insertion and care.