Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) for patients with advanced malignancy: British Intestinal Failure Alliance (BIFA) statement

With disease, such as advanced malignancy, numerous food/nutrient related issues can arise. Ensuring a patient gets sufficient nutrients, while allowing them to remain/return to the home setting, can have a profound effect on their quality of life i.e. better energy levels and improved wellbeing, while also potentially prolonging life expectancy. Advances in the delivery of parenteral nutrition (nutrition through the vein) and improved homecare support has helped to open-up new possibilities of feeding individuals (at home) with advanced malignancy and intestinal failure.

The British Intestinal Failure Alliance (BIFA) have produced a statement which details those patients where home parenteral nutrition is appropriate and relevant considerations for its use. To find out more visit:

http://www.bapen.org.uk/images/pdfs/position-statements/draft-position-statement-on-hpn-in-advanced-malignancy.pdf