Work

Evaluation of combined multi-chamber with compounded bags and multi-chamber bags only for British adults on home parenteral nutrition: A mixed methods pilot study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: People with chronic intestinal failure (IF) require home parenteral nutrition (HPN). Parenteral nutrition regimens can comprise of bespoke prescriptions compounded specifically for the individual, commercially produced multi-chamber bags (MCBs), or a combination of compounded and MCBs known as 'hybrid' regimens. This pilot study aimed to evaluate quality of life (QoL) and clinical outcomes with hybrid or MCBs-only parenteral nutrition regimens. Methods: This mixed-methods pilot study collected data from patients between June 2022 and January 2023. Data were gathered at baseline and 180 days post-discharge. Patients were interviewed about their lived experiences and completed a QoL questionnaire. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data analysis used framework analysis. Results: We recruited 28 patients, 16 on hybrid HPN regimens and 12 on MCBs. After 180 days, no catheter-related bloodstream infections were recorded. No differences were found between hybrid and MCBs-only regarding QoL. Patients on hybrid regimens reported no issues arising specifically from using two bag types, and some of those on MCBs-only appreciated extra flexibility in their lives. Conclusions: Both MCB and hybrid HPN regimens were acceptable to patients, with neither showing a substantial difference in QoL.

Source: Intestinal failure.

DOI: 10.1016/j.intf.2025.100063