Work

Exploring the current practices of parenteral nutrition from pharmacists’ perspectives: a qualitative study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Parenteral nutrition (PN) therapy is indicated to meet patients’ nutritional needs when normal feeding is not feasible. This study was designed to explore current practices and barriers to PN from the perspective of pharmacists. Data were collected through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with pharmacists. The key themes that emerged were knowledge, complications, pharmacists’ roles, and challenges and barriers. The most common educational activities were workshops, board study, undergraduate education, and residency training. The most common complications of PN were fluid and electrolyte abnormalities, infections, and refeeding syndrome. The most common roles of pharmacists were educating patients, calculating PN dosages, monitoring patients, and compounding PN solutions. The most common barriers were shortages of PN components and compounding facilities, inadequate training, and a shortage of experienced staff. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of pharmacists’ roles in PN treatment; however, many barriers make their tasks difficult.

Source: Pharmacia

DOI: 10.3897/pharmacia.73.e208575

Authors: Omaima Ibrahim Saleh, Dheyaa Jabbar Kadhim, Kawthar Faris Nassir

Institutions: Ministry of Health, University of Baghdad

Language: English

Topic: Clinical Nutrition and Gastroenterology

Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $107