The value of IDPN as a supplemental therapy when elderly patients fail to thrive--two case studies

On the last day of his life, H.J. came into the dialysis unit smiling and joking. He spent the time watching a movie and visiting with visitors and staff. He reported feeling better than he had in a long time. His predicted 3-day death watch had become nearly 5 months of improved quality of life and precious time spent with his large extended family. He frequently expressed gratitude for the chance to prolong those few days into such an unexpected extension. He and his family attributed this gift to the nursing care and encouragement he received in the dialysis unit. Everyone was aware that the IDPN therapy, along with improvement in his own daily nutritional intake, was a critical element. Later that night, H.J. had a cardiac arrest, and he died peacefully at home with his family. There is no doubt that without the financial resources available to him to pay for his IDPN, the outcome would not have been the same. As it was, all the intended patient outcomes were achieved.