Introduction. Patients on parenteral nutrition (TPN) before being discharged from hospital need to undertake mandatory training. Only after acquiring the necessary skills and confidence to administer parenteral nutrition the patient can leave hospital and continue the treatment at home. Following the strict procedures will ensure patient’s safety and allow patients to stay at home and to permit a better quality of life. Aim. The aim of this study was to assess patients and their knowledge of administering of TPN in a home environment including the level of practical skills in aseptic techniques when using TPN, the importance of maintaining the adequate hygiene and the knowledge of appropriate actions in case of complications. Material and methods. The study was conducted using a diagnostic survey consisting of 20 questions, three of which were multiple choice questions and the remaining questions required written answers. The survey was conducted between December 2014 and July 2015 and involved 45 people from the General Surgery and Clinical Nutrition of Medical University in Warsaw on parenteral nutrition. Results. For the participants, these survey questions requiring information about parenteral nutrition were more difficult to answer compared with questions regarding the importance of a good hygiene when using parenteral nutrition. Only a small group of participants could list all TPN ingredients. Several participants answered the questions regarding correct procedures in case of complications in using TPN incorrectly and one patient was performing activities outside the scope of patient skills. Conclusions. Based on the survey the knowledge of the patients and their caretakers regarding administering TPN at home was concluded as satisfactory.

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