Computer assisted neonatal parenteral nutrition solution protocols.

Hospital pharmacies compound neonatal parenteral nutrition solutions for administration to premature infants until enteral feedings are tolerated. The majority of these solutions pose no problem for the hospital pharmacist to prepare. Occasionally, premature infants are prescribed low volume solutions that challenge the pharmacist to ensure the proper mixing and dilution of ingredients. Formulation and dilution protocols have been developed to guide the pharmacist in determining the safest procedure for compounding neonatal parenteral nutrition solutions. Staff members of Charlton Memorial Hospital pharmacy have developed a computer assisted calculation program that aids the pharmacist in following these protocols. Formulation changes suggested by the computer program should be verified by the pharmacist. Computerized documentation of formulation changes aid communication between the pharmacist and the physician. Infant safety is the primary goal of these formulation changes.

Computer assisted neonatal parenteral nutrition order formatting.

Neonatal parenteral nutrition solutions are a vital part of the treatment regimen for premature infants. Protocols that dictate the formulation of these expensive intravenous solutions must assure absolute safety for the neonate. The procedure for the initiation, calculation, and compounding of parenteral nutrition solutions involves both physician and pharmacist. Simplified physician ordering forms with printed guidelines for solution ingredients assists in error free ingredient prescribing. Pharmacist calculation programs formulating neonatal parenteral nutritions need to be accurate and easy to use. Documentation of ingredients outside of normal ranges insures patient protection from human error. With the assistance of a tailor made computer program, a procedure has been developed to provide accurate pharmaceutical calculations while documenting unusual ingredient dosages.