On-demand system to support patients in home-parenteral nutrition
D. Völz, G. Benderoth, U. Schulze
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AbstractThe aging society is challenging for the healthcare system. Particular attention needs to be given to the nutrition of older people. For instance, in 2021, 3,000 people in care homes received Parenteral Nutrition (PN), to be added by approximately 9,000 people with Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN). PN is life-saving, but the complication rate is significantly higher than in oral and/or enteral nutrition (Gerber, 2020). PN at home is given during the day or at night. During the day, patients are tied to the nutrition fluid (via infusion stand/rucksack) since HPN is typically administered by a nursing service (AWMF Registry No. 073/021). This fact disturbs HPN patients and leads to fewer social activities. As a result, the psychological illness rate is significantly higher (Emanuel, 2022). From a medical point of view, daily nutrition therapy can be interrupted. However, this can pose risks, e.g., if fat residues obstruct the port catheter, which can cause infections and/or metabolic complications (Tempel, 2009). Strict catheter care and sterile work are essential to avoid infections. Patients can self-manage the nutrition fluid if they or their relatives are professionally trained and confident. However, patients often feel overstrained (especially the elderly), although clarification about the dangers and management can help to better understand the conditions (Payen, 2013). To give them more confidence, an on-demand-based solution must be found so that patients can act in a more self-determined way.Keywords: home parenteral nutrition, home care
D. Völz, G. Benderoth, U. Schulze (2024). On-demand system to support patients in home-parenteral nutrition. Gerontechnology, 23(2), 1-1
https://doi.org/10.4017/gt.2024.23.s.899.pp