Assessing health professionals' knowledge and confidence associated with the use of parenteral nutrition

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is the provision of nutrients and fluid by an intravenous route via a peripheral or central line, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. It is used when the gut is non-functional or inaccessible or when there is inadequate oral/enteral nutritional intake. Use of PN is increasing with about 2500 patients in England receiving home PN on a long-term or permanent basis each year, and significantly more receiving PN on a short-term basis in the hospital setting. This article provides a short overview of the use of PN and explores current levels of knowledge and confidence among health professionals based on a recent survey.