Comparing administration of nutrition support with prescribed dose

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether pediatric bone marrow transplant (BMT) patients receive the prescribed dose of nutrition support (NS). Data were obtained from electronic and paper charts at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The amount of NS received was compared with the amount prescribed. Data were collected on 32 patients for 63 hospital stays in which NS was administered. The mean percentage of nutrition prescription met and percentage of total estimated energy met were 69% and 72%, respectively. Allogeneic BMT patients received significantly more of their nutrition prescription (92%) than autologous BMT patients did (54%, P < .01). Malnourished patients were significantly more likely to receive the full dose of NS than patients who were considered nourished or obese (P < .05). This study showed that patients who were most in need of NS were more likely to receive the full dose.