Assessing the Nutrition Support Team

Abstract

The development of clinical nutrition in the past few years has occasioned a rapid proliferation of hundreds of nutrition support teams across the country. Data available in several surveys of these teams suggest that they are so likely to differ from one another that they scarcely merit a common name. Some standard is clearly needed. A formulation of the essential features that should be found in every NST is presented. In light of this conceptual framework, data on the efficacy of NSTs are discussed. It is suggested that, although there is enough favorable evidence in cost-effectiveness for a hospital to establish an NST, the full potential of the NST as the proper repositor of a new branch of medicine (Clinical Nutrition) has yet to be widely recognized and properly tested.

Complications of Central Venous Catheters in Patients on Home Parenteral Nutrition: An Analysis of 68 Patients over 16 Years

“…Patients on HPN must be informed clearly about the definition of infectious complications and given clear and continuous instruction on all aspects of having a CVC, by a well-trained team. [17][18][19] …”

Nutritional considerations in children undergoing bone marrow transplantation

“…The presence of a multidisciplinary nutritional care team in regional hospitals can improve the quality of the nutritional support and also reduce the cost (Brown et al 1987;Puntis & Booth 1990). Reported advantages of a nutritional care team include a reduction of central venous catheter sepsis and mechanical catheter-related problems, a decrease in metabolic complications associated with PN, and an increased use of enteral in place of parenteral nutrition (Hamaoui, 1987).…”

The State of Nutrition Support Teams and Update on Current Models for Providing Nutrition Support Therapy to Patients

“…Thirty‐six percent reported the dietitian as the leader, 18% the pharmacist, and 4% the nurse. In the 1984 Hamaoui 11 survey, the physician was the team leader 93% of the time, and a 1983 study by McShane and Fox 6 reported that 61% of their respondents designated the team physician as leader.…”