Education Materials

"SAFE" Poster from the Oley Foundation Here is an example of an educational poster produced by The Oley Foundation that uses the acronym “SAFE” to discuss clinician and caregiver recommendations to prevent tube-related infections, including hand washing, sanitary procedures for handling supplies, sanitation for access points, and maintenance of sterile connections.[4]

 

Procedure for Safe Enteral Feeding from ASPEN

This poster covers basic safe enteral feeding techniques and tips for clinicians and caregivers. Aseptic techniques are important to prevent infections and this section provides reminders about these techniques in handling formulas, hand washing, wearing gloves to handle feeding tubes, and avoiding cross contamination. Labeling is also important to recognize what the patient is receiving. Reduction of aspiration and reflux risk can be achieved by elevating the head of a bed or propping the patient up so that the upper body is at greater than a 30 degree angle from the flat surface for at least 30 minutes after feeding. Assuring that the correct equipment and formula is being used should be routinely verified. If multiple access lines are present, it will also be important to assure that the enteral lines are only connected to enteral access and equipment.[5]

 

4. The Oley Foundation. SAFE poster. Available at: http://www.nutritioncare.org/Professional_Resources/Patient_Safety/Patient_Safety/

5. ASPEN. ALERT poster. Available at: http://www.nutritioncare.org/Professional_Resources/Patient_Safety/Patient_Safety/