LITRE
Enteral Syringes
LITRE was approached for comment on the prototype for a new reusable syringe designed for longer life than the standard ones. This is now in use and can be seen by the purple syringes.
Equipment Survey
Over the period 1990/1995 and was presented at BAPEN 1995.
Gastrostomy Survey 1995
Extensive research into types and items included, looking for the ideal pack. Conclusion – a final result was not achievable due to variations in practice; it was felt it was not LITRE’s roll to dictate practice.
Giving Set Designs
Offering advice to establish giving sets that are more user-friendly which are still safe and effective to deliver feeds. Positioning of key components needed amending to make them comfortable for the users.
Home TPN Check List
Produced in response to hospital and companies asking what patients needed as minimum requirements. This is no longer required due to improved homecare provision.
Interim review of a PN pump 2013.
Full LITRE User Assessment panel, July 2016 (report due to be published).
Interim review of PN pumps.
A minor review of PN pumps was carried in October 2009.
Leaking Gastrostomy Survey
A common issue for LITRE, this new study is with specialist centres and is presently under review.
LITRE Stand
Developed in 1994, updated at various intervals, last update 2002 in response to user comment.
LITREVIEW
A publication outlining committee work in the early years. Once BAPEN was established LITRE transferred to working under the BAPEN umbrella. Publication ceased once funds were re distributed.
Rucksack Design
We regularly meet with industry to re-design and improve different types of rucksacks used for intravenous feeding.
Sharps Containers
Patients reported issues regarding travelling and sharps containers. Patients were informed that they came in various sizes and they could request these from their homecare company, depending on their personal needs and durations of travel. It was advised to always bring containers home for disposal.
Skin Tone Dressings
Patients reported social discomfort when stared at with obvious white dressings. Manufacturers were contacted to establish whether they could be skin toned like stoma products. They felt there was insufficient demand and it would be a costly exercise to undertake.
Snapped CVC Line Clamps
Patients reported snapped line clamps and the problem to have them replaced. Advice was that they should have blue plastic clamps for back up in such situations. One patient informed us of a replacement clamp which did not require a repair thus reducing problems.
TPN Feed Containers
Frequent reports were received from patients regarding air, gassing out of the champagne effect in the bag.
Temperature and storage are related to such issues. Talks with manufacturers prompted research into improvements. Miramed bags were popular with patients as they appeared to reduce problems.
TPN Line Occlusion
A common issue reported to LITRE, so an in depth survey was undertaken in June 2003 to look at extensive parameters of incidence. The survey produced 103 returns which have been published.
Travelling
Patients regularly ask questions in relation to travelling; LITRE has assisted PINNT with the compilation of their Holiday Guidelines, free to existing members and £5 to all others. Contact PINNT on info@pinnt.com for a copy.
Universal Clamps
Patients reported problems with cleaning small areas on their clamps. Industry acknowledged the problem but the cost of changing the design was too expensive. Advice given was to use a soft make-up brush to clean them but nothing sharp and to seek out hospital advice.
X-ray Safety at Airports
Concerns were raised regarding the safety of feeds and pumps passing through x-ray machines. Advice was sought from manufacturers and a University Professor who specialised in x-ray effects. Patients were advised to seek specific details for their products but in general advice received was that they were safe.