The effects of registered dietitian order writing and timeliness of NICU supplement orders

Abstract

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) provides essential care for preterm infants, the smallest and most nutritionally vulnerable patient population. It is crucial for these infants to receive the appropriate dosage of supplements that is tailored to their growth, weight, and age, and that is administered in a timely manner. This capstone project with accompanying quality improvement report examines the accuracy and timeliness of supplement orders before and after registered dietitians were granted ordering privileges. The project compares orders from 2019 (before dietitians had order-writing privileges) to those from 2021 (after dietitians received these privileges) at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center