Computer-assisted TPN calculations: time savings and improved accuracy associated with use of a minicomputer.
A pediatric TPN computer program, written in Cobol 74 machine language, was developed for use on a minicomputer system. The program calculates the volume of each ingredient needed to prepare a pediatric TPN solution, generates a recipe work card and labels, calculates clinical monitoring information for each patient and develops a clinical monitoring profile for the pharmacist to use in monitoring parenteral nutrition therapy. Use of the program resulted in a significant reduction (71%) in the time needed ot complete TPN calculations. Significant decreases in calculation and labeling errors were also realized.
D003201:Computers; D004360:Drug Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000592:standards*; D008508:Medication Errors; D008905:Minicomputers; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total / Q000592:standards*; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000592:standards*; D013996:Time and Motion Studies