A micro‐costing analysis of standardized versus individualized parenteral nutrition in preterm neonates

BACKGROUND: The main aim of this study was to compare the costs of using standardized parenteral nutrition (PN) bags versus individualized PN bags for very low birth weight and extremely low birth weight preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. METHODS: A micro-costing analysis was conducted from November 1, 2022 through October 31, 2023 on both individualized and standard PN bags. RESULTS: During the analysis period, 660 individual bags and 3700 standard bags were used. The average cost per individualized PN bag versus standardized bag was $160.92 versus $62.92 respectively. Standard bags were found to be 60.9% more cost-effective. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that standard PN bags are more cost-effective for very low birth weight and extremely low birth weight preterm patients. These findings support the potential shift towards using standardized PN in hospitals to manage resources effectively. Pharmacists can utilize these results to promote guideline-based use of standardized PN.