The Oley Foundation and Consumer Support Groups.

Patients with intestinal failure (IF) often require home parenteral and/or enteral nutrition (HPEN). There are many complications associated with both IF and the use of HPEN, including infection and intolerance. Psychosocial effects, such as depression, isolation, fatigue, anxiety, financial stress, are also associated with IF and HPEN and can be difficult to address. Support groups offer patients and caregivers the opportunity to talk to and learn from others who have had similar experiences. The Oley Foundation, a nonprofit organization for HPEN consumers, caregivers, and clinicians, fulfills the role of a traditional support group while offering many other resources and programs.

Education materials for home nutrition support consumers.

Parenteral and enteral nutrition (PEN) are life-sustaining therapies that can be administered in the home. They are also complex therapies, with many facets about which patients and caregivers must learn. Once home on PEN, the patient assumes much of the responsibility for day-to-day care. Although patients are trained in many aspects of home PEN management before they leave the hospital and often again upon arrival home, there is much to retain and put into practice. Many health care facilities, companies, and nonprofit organizations create home PEN patient education materials. In 1993 and 1995, directories were created to list the home nutrition support materials that were available. The 1995 directory has been updated and appended to this article. This directory was created in the spirit of the original: to encourage communication and the exchange of information between individuals and institutions.