Awareness of healthcare workers to total parenteral feeding in neonatal units

ABSTRACT

The partnership between hospital policy and staff procedures needs to be coordinated. In the case of neonatal care, failures of this partnership can result into complications. To evaluate staff awareness, hospital policy and current procedures relating to total parenteral nutrition [TPN] in Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Bahrain. A Self-Administered Questionnaire. NICU, King Hamad University Hospital [KHUH] and Salmaniya Medical Center [SMC], Bahrain. The study population consisted of nurses and neonatal doctors in NICUs in King Hamad University Hospital and Salmaniya Medical Center. Participation in the study implied consent; and the survey was anonymous. The self-administered questionnaire was distributed in August 2013 and consisted of 10 multiple-choice and open-ended questions. Sixty-two [80%] were aware of the risks of administering TPN. Different policies and guidelines were followed depending on the institution. Fifty-four [69%] respondents thought that TPN preparation should be carried out under sterile conditions; 63 [80%] preferably by a pharmacist rather than in the ward by doctors or nurses. Low staff satisfaction was found in 19 [67%] because the pharmacy did not prepare the TPN. Although staff may have high knowledge and awareness to reduce TPN risks, there is a clear need for hospital policy to consider the needs of the end user to reduce the neonatal infections