Fulfilling patients' nutritional requirements cost-effectively.

Fulfilling nutrition support cost-effectively encompasses consideration of the selection of appropriate patients, routes, products and equipment. Properly administered, nutrition support not only benefits the patient but undoubtedly provides a cost-saving to the institution. Data based on product specifications and nutrition needs should be considered in the selection of nutrition products. Standardization of a skeleton solution that can be modified for individual patient needs minimizes associated labour, contains costs and encourages appropriate patient monitoring. The co-ordination of nutrition care by a nutrition support service has been associated with reduced complication rates, improved nutrition therapy and major cost savings.