Nutritional support of the hospitalized patient. The team concept.

Two groups of patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) were compared in a prospective study for a period of 24 months. The TPN in one group of 211 patients was exclusively managed by a nutrition support team. A variety of physicians managed the TPN of 164 patients in the other group. The complication rate of both groups was compared. The second group had a much higher incidence of all complications. The study concludes that a protocol strictly adhered to by knowledgeable persons is necessary for the proper administration of TPN in the hospitalized patient.