Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats analysis on choice of multi chamber bag or compounded parenteral nutrition

Abstract

Reasons for choosing parenteral nutrition (PN) products depend on healthcare institutions internal and external factors. A decision to start, continue, scale-up, scale down, or stop compounding of PN involves multiple stakeholders. This study is an effort to analyze such factors and recommendations on decision-making. A strength, weakness, opportunities, threats (SWOT) analysis was prepared in consultation with major PN providers in the UAE and comparing to international best practices. Based on the SWOT analysis, a set of recommendations was prepared using the GRADE system (classification of quality of evidence and strength of recommendation). Feedback on the SWOT analysis and recommendations were collected from the PN providers. The SWOT analysis and recommendations address aspects of the choice of MCB-PN or compounded PN. It includes considerations on PN indication, availability of ingredients, types of patients, safety, and cost management with labor, automation, and outsourcing. It was received well. The SWOT analysis and recommendations are useful in decision-making in complex therapy like PN. It helps in institutional decisions on choices of MCB-PN or compounded PN. The impact of the recommendations is to be measured in the future.