Educational interventions and the use of parenteral nutrition

The Georgetown Total Parenteral Nutrition Forum generated consensus statements about the need for nutrition support. The main concern is that the excessive use of parenteral nutritional is both dangerous and expensive. We performed confidential audits using these criteria before and after educational interventions. The incidence of doubtful usage decreased from 29% (8/28) in mid-1991 to 3% (1/30) in mid-1992 (Fisher Exact Probability = 0.01): A post-audit review one year later in mid-1993 revealed an incidence of doubtful usage of 0% (0/19). It is concluded that the consensus document from the Georgetown Parenteral Nutrition Forum is a useful tool for deriving usage guidelines, educating staff and performing criterion audits. In this way, it is possible to generate cost savings and improve the quality of care.