ABSTRACT
The availability of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) therapy capable of being given at home has opened a new and challenging area for the pharmacist. The extent and type of pharmaceutical service has been outlined previously under the pharmacist's role as a member of the TPN team. While recognizing that the type and scope of the service of the pharmacy will vary in different ambulatory programs, it is nevertheless possible to give the following general guidelines and options. The pharmacy in some institutions offering this service, particularly in the United States, trains their patients to make their own TPN admixtures at home. After discharge of the patient the pharmacy becomes responsible for the provision of commercial stock solutions to these patients to serve as the raw materials for making their own nutrient infusates. Mostly in certain parts of North America, and in particular in the United States, provision of the home-care daily needs is being offered by commercial enterprises.
