Building understanding in parenteral nutrition – BSNA webinar series delivers bite-sized practical knowledge

The use of parenteral nutrition (PN) – the provision of nutrients and fluid to a patient by an intravenous route via a peripheral or central line – is growing. With the NHS 10-year health plan advocating healthcare closer to home, the use of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) in particular is expanding rapidly, with patient numbers increasing by approximately 20% every year according to NHS England.

PN is recommended for those patients who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition and are unable to meet their nutritional requirements due to an inaccessible or non-functioning gastrointestinal tract. With more people living for longer with complex medical conditions, HPN allows patients to be more independent and enjoy a better quality of life in their own home environment rather than being in a hospital setting.

PN is often managed by a multi-disciplinary team including dietitians, pharmacists, physicians and nurses. A recent survey carried out by BSNA amongst healthcare professionals suggested that although there is good awareness of clinical guidance about PN, more training is needed on its use to expand knowledge and confidence. 

BSNA is helping to address this training gap and as part of its ongoing educational programme, recently held a series of three, free webinars for newly qualified dietitians. Attended by 286 dietitians and other healthcare professionals, the webinars were approved for continuing professional development by the British Dietetic Association and covered the who, what, why, when and how of PN. Speakers used polls, case studies and Q&As to bring the content to life, resulting in an interactive and informative learning environment. 

BSNA is planning additional webinars later this year and continues to support dietetics students through our ongoing programme of PN university education sessions. 

If you are a healthcare professional and would like to view the PN webinars, please contact us at [email protected]