Ergonomic and economic aspects of total parenteral nutrition

Ergonomics in total parenteral nutrition include the work performed in the (hospital) pharmacy and on the medical ward. This article reviews the developments in total parenteral nutrition ergonomics and the related cost-savings. Research focuses on the ergonomic advantages of multi-compartment total parenteral nutrition bags compared with the multi-bottle system, of multi versus single-layered total parenteral nutrition bags and of the presence of a nutritional team and training in clinical nutrition to improve regimen prescription and delivery. Three-compartment bags are safe, economic and ergonomic. It is important, however, to keep the knowledge of pharmacies to compound total parenteral nutrition for children and (adult) patients with specific pathologies. Research is ongoing in the development of bags with more than three compartments, to include for instance vitamins. This necessitates improvements in bag materials and wrapping. Progress can be made regarding total parenteral nutrition prescription and delivery, as well as in the incidence of related infections by promoting training in clinical nutrition and the implementation of a multidisciplinary nutritional support team.