Is My Patient Non-Compliant or Do They Have Low Literacy Skills (INFUSION Article)

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Literacy is the ability to understand, evaluate, use, and engage with written texts to participate in society, to achieve one’s goals, and to develop one’s knowledge. Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) patients with low literacy may be considered non-compliant if they are unable to follow their prescription, have negative outcomes, or are readmitted to the hospital often. Studies show patients with low literacy have poorer health, higher hospitalization rates, and increased health care costs. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of low literacy on compliance for a home infusion patient.

Christina Ritchey, MS RD LD CNSC FASPEN

Clinical Program Manager

Optum Infusion Pharmacy

Home Parenteral Nutrition Workshop Take Off: A Pilot Program for Patient Support

Christina Ritchey, MS, RD, LD, CNSC, FASPEN is a Clinical Program Manager at Optum Infusion Pharmacy. She is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Nutrition Support Clinician, working in the home infusion industry since 2009. She has authored numerous abstracts and publications related to nutrition support, outcomes, health equity and literacy. Christina is the recipient of the 2021 NHIF Outstanding Abstract Award and 2022 ASPEN Home Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Trailblazer award. Christina serves on the NHIA Clinical Practice Committee and ASPEN Publications and Membership Committees. She is also the President of the Texas Alamo Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.

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