Computer assisted neonatal parenteral nutrition order formatting.

Neonatal parenteral nutrition solutions are a vital part of the treatment regimen for premature infants. Protocols that dictate the formulation of these expensive intravenous solutions must assure absolute safety for the neonate. The procedure for the initiation, calculation, and compounding of parenteral nutrition solutions involves both physician and pharmacist. Simplified physician ordering forms with printed guidelines for solution ingredients assists in error free ingredient prescribing. Pharmacist calculation programs formulating neonatal parenteral nutritions need to be accurate and easy to use. Documentation of ingredients outside of normal ranges insures patient protection from human error. With the assistance of a tailor made computer program, a procedure has been developed to provide accurate pharmaceutical calculations while documenting unusual ingredient dosages.