Since 2007, a steady increase in total parenteral nutrition (TPN) consumption and associated costs was noticed in our hospital. High use of TPN in hospitalized patients contributes considerably to hospital costs. Although malnutrition is a serious problem in patients, it is not always clear whether or not TPN is really necessary in all cases. Therefore, a project was initiated in which a nutrition team was assembled including a dietitian for malnutrition screening and monitoring of patients with TPN during hospital stay.An inventory of the usage and costs of TPN was made over the years prior to the start of the project. Possible causes for improper prescription of TPN were identified, and guidelines devised for improvement. Nutritional needs were assessed according to these guidelines.The expenditure on parenteral nutrition has decreased with more than 40%, mainly due to a decrease of 29% in patients on TPN. Malnutrition is now immediately detected and addressed, and nutritional support for patients has improved.The current study shows that it is possible to improve the quality of care and simultaneously save TPN costs.