American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition

American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) is a professional organization dedicated to improving patient care by advancing the science and practice of nutrition support therapy. This includes the fields of parenteral nutrition (PN), which involves feeding a person intravenously, bypassing the usual process of eating and digestion, and enteral nutrition (EN), which involves feeding through a tube placed in the nose, stomach, or the small intestine. ASPEN is committed to the research, education, and practice of nutrition support therapy, providing guidelines, professional development opportunities, and resources for healthcare professionals.

History

The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition was founded in 1976 by a group of clinicians who recognized the need for a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the field of nutrition support. Since its inception, ASPEN has grown significantly and now includes members from various healthcare disciplines including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, and others involved in nutrition support.

Mission and Vision

The mission of ASPEN is to improve patient care by advancing the science and practice of nutrition support therapy. This includes promoting the development and implementation of evidence-based practices, providing education and resources to healthcare professionals, and supporting research in the field of nutrition support.

Activities and Programs

ASPEN organizes a variety of activities and programs aimed at fulfilling its mission:

• Annual Conference: ASPEN hosts an annual conference that serves as a platform for the exchange of knowledge and research findings among professionals in the field of nutrition support.
• Education and Certification: The organization offers educational programs, resources, and certification opportunities for healthcare professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills in nutrition support therapy.
• Publications: ASPEN publishes several professional journals, including the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (JPEN) and Nutrition in Clinical Practice (NCP), which provide the latest research and clinical guidelines in the field.
• Clinical Guidelines: ASPEN develops and disseminates clinical guidelines to promote best practices in nutrition support therapy.
• Advocacy: The organization advocates for policies that support the field of nutrition support therapy and the patients it serves.

Membership

ASPEN offers membership to individuals and institutions interested in the field of nutrition support. Members benefit from access to educational resources, professional development opportunities, and a community of professionals dedicated to advancing the field of nutrition support therapy.

Impact

Through its activities and programs, ASPEN has significantly contributed to the advancement of nutrition support therapy. The organization's guidelines and resources are widely used by healthcare professionals around the world to improve the care of patients requiring nutrition support.