Innovative Discharge Process for Families with Pediatric Short Bowel Syndrome: A Prospective Nonrandomized Trial.

Background: Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is a life-sustaining therapy for short bowel syndrome (SBS) and other severe digestive diseases, but complications are common. We evaluated a predischarge HPN hands-on training course to reduce complications in children with SBS, including hospital readmissions.

Methods: We conducted a prospective, nonrandomized controlled research study between April 1, 2014, and April 30, 2017. Eligible participants were children aged <18 years old with SBS and anticipated HPN dependence duration ≥6 months. Excluded participants had a previous history of discharge with a central venous catheter (CVC), HPN, or intravenous fluids or strictly palliative goals of care. An intervention group practiced hands-on HPN within the hospital room for 24 hours using infusion equipment. The groups received standard teaching (CVC care, home infusion pump operation, HPN preparation and administration).

Results: Nine children were assigned to the intervention group and 12 served as controls. The median age was 8.4 months, and length of stay (LOS) was 82 days. All participants experienced ≥1 event, with a total of 47 issues related to HPN. There were no significant associations between group assignment and 30-day postdischarge events. Each additional week of LOS was associated with 11% increase in the odds of an emergency department visit (OR 1.11; 95% CI, 1.01-1.26) and 16% increase in the odds of readmission (OR 1.16; 95% CI, 1.04-1.37).

Conclusions: Postdischarge events remained widespread despite HPN bedside interventions offered by this pilot intervention. With refinement of HPN discharge processes, quality benchmarks are needed.