LITRE update

14/10/2010

A multi-professional committee led by patients. Looking into the Requirements for Equipment, (LITRE) originally functioned as a working under the umbrella of Patients on Intravenous and Naso Gastric Nutrition Therapy (PINNT). LITRE then became a standing committee within the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN). LITRE is now convened within PINNT.

LITRE s Mission

LITRE aims to improve the quality of life for patients on nutritional support at home by:

• Investing and responding to the needs and concerns raised by patients, carers and healthcare professionals with regard to equipment and services
• Forging links between patients and industry
• Acting as a forum for users to help in product and service development and market research

Representation on the Committee

LITRE will always be predominantly led by patients and carers. LITRE functions in relation to specific projects, the constituent members of the group will reflect the expertise required for each project. Where relevant healthcare professionals will be invited to join the committee.

Previous LITRE work

LITRE has covered a number of projects over a number of years.

Previous LITRE ProjectsLitre Stand
Developed in 1994, updated at various intervals, last update 2002 in response to user comment. Equipment Survey
Over the period 1990/1995 and was presented at BAPEN 1995 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. 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. Gastrostomy Survey 1995
The survey was presented at BAPEN in 1995; this is an ongoing problem and will be updated in the future. LITRE Dressing Pack Survey
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.

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. 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. 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. 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 Home Care Company depending on their personal needs and duration of travel. It was advised to always bring containers home for disposal. TPN Feed Containers
Frequent reports were received from patients regarding air, gassing out or 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. Ongoing patients were kept informed via online. 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. 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 dsl.pipex.com for a copy. Enteral Syringes
LITRE was approached for comment on the proto type for a new reusable syringe designed for longer life than the standard ones. This is now in production and in use. TPN Line OcclusionA common issue reported to LITRE, so an in depth survey was undertake in June 2003 to look at extensive parameters of incidence. The survey produced 103 returns which are currently under review and will shortly be published. Leaking Gastrostomy SurveyA common issue for LITRE, this new study is with specialist centres and is presently under review. Rucksack DesignWe have established a liaison group of users to comment on the Baxter 6060 pump rucksack and the first session 10 people were involved, this is ongoing. Giving Set DesignsOffering 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. Portable PN feeding pumps AssessmentFindings of an assessment of current ambulatory Pumps on the market for Parenteral Nutrition. 8^th November 2006. Portable PN feeding pumps Assessment UpdatesAn updates on the assessment result of 8^th November 2006.
If you have an interest in furthering LITRE in any shape or form please let us know.

LITRE are undertaking another review of the portable PN pumps - please see the full advert in the December 2010 edition of Online if you are keen to assist in the process.

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