In
2002 the BPNG led a BAPEN (British Association for Enteral and Parenteral
Nutrition) project to develop support materials to encourage safe
practice for administration of drug via enteral feeding tubes.
Enteral feeding tubes are increasingly used to administer drugs
both in clinical and community environments yet no approved training
programmes or national guidelines exist in the majority of health
authorities. Legal, ethical, pharmaceutical and practical issues
surrounding the administration of drugs via enteral feeding tubes
have implications for health authorities and for all members of
the health care team.
David Cousins, Head of Safe Medicine Practice for the National Patient
Safety Agency (NPSA), said: "The NPSA welcomes this resource
because it brings together information concerning the appropriate
use of enteral feeding equipment and techniques in a concise way,
and is tailored to the needs of the staff who will be using it.
By highlighting the risks associated with administering drugs via
feeding tubes and providing healthcare staff with the right information
at the right time, it should help to ensure safer care for patients
receiving this treatment."
Educational sponsorships from Abbot Nutrition, Baxa Ltd, Fresenius-Kabi
Ltd, Merck Gastroenterology, Nutricia Clinical Care, Rosemont Pharmaceuticals
Ltd and Tyco Healthcare have enabled these materials to be available
to healthcare professionals free of charge until the 1st of July
2004. Copies are obtainable from the BAPEN office or may be downloaded
as PDFs from the BAPEN website www.bapen.org.uk.
www.bapen.org.uk/drugs-enteral.htm
Copies obtainable from:
BAPEN
Secure Hold Business Centre
Studley Road
Redditch
Worcershire
B98 7LG
Tel: 01527 457850
Fax: 01527 458718
Next Step:
The BPNG are currently producing a handbook on drug administration
via enteral feeding tubes, this will contain practical information
as well as detailed drug monographs.
Further details will be posted when the publishers have confirmed
timescales.
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