Patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN) who belong to a support group have been shown to experience which outcome?

• A. Higher reactive depression
• B. Lower quality of life
• C. Fewer hospital readmissions
• D. Increased incidence of catheter-related sepsis

Answer: (C)

Participating in a support group for patients on home parenteral nutrition provides emotional encouragement, practical tips, and a collaborative space to problem-solve infusion and catheter issues. This peer support helps patients recognize warning signs early, adhere more consistently to aseptic technique and infusion schedules, and seek help promptly before problems escalate. The result is fewer hospital readmissions because complications are caught and managed more effectively at home, and care plans are followed more closely. While support groups can improve mood and overall quality of life, and they don’t increase the risk of catheter-related infections, the most consistently observed outcome related to group participation is a reduction in hospital readmissions.