HPN Referral Pathway

Baxter Healthcare's Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) referral pathway is a comprehensive framework tailored for healthcare professionals managing patients who require specialised nutritional support. Below is an overview of the critical components involved in this pathway:

1. Patient Identification and Assessment

• Eligibility Criteria: HPN is typically indicated for patients with chronic intestinal failure or severe gastrointestinal conditions that prevent them from meeting their nutritional needs through oral or enteral means​. This includes conditions such as short bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and other disorders impacting nutrient absorption​.
• Comprehensive Evaluation: A thorough nutritional assessment and clinical evaluation should be performed to determine the suitability of HPN for each patient.

2. Multidisciplinary Team Approach

• Team Composition: A successful HPN programme involves a multidisciplinary team, including gastroenterologists, dietitians, nurses, and pharmacists. This collaborative approach ensures a holistic management plan tailored to individual patient needs​.
• Coordinated Care: Effective communication among team members is crucial for continuously addressing the patient's nutritional status and adapting the care plan as necessary​.

3. Nutritional Formulation and Administration

• Personalised Nutrition Plans: Each patient’s nutritional plan should be tailored based on their specific requirements. Baxter offers ready-to-use multi-chamber bags that facilitate the preparation and administration of parenteral nutrition​.
• Best Practices for Administration: Healthcare professionals must adhere to established protocols for administering HPN, including proper catheter management and monitoring for potential complications​.

4. Patient and Caregiver Education

• Training: Comprehensive training should be provided to both patients and caregivers on managing HPN, covering aspects such as equipment use, infusion techniques, and recognition of complications​.
• Support Systems: Encourage patients to engage with support networks and access additional educational resources to enhance their understanding and confidence in managing their therapy​.

5. Monitoring and Follow-Up

• Ongoing Evaluation: Regular monitoring of the patient's nutritional status and clinical parameters is essential to assess the effectiveness of the therapy and make necessary adjustments​.
• Telehealth Integration: Incorporating telehealth can facilitate follow-up consultations and provide patients with ongoing support as they manage HPN from home​.