New Connectors for Enteral Feeding Tubes

The Global Enteral Device Supplier Association (GEDSA), an international working group of enteral feeding tube manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers, will be introducing new enteral connectors that conform to these new ISO standards. The introduction of these new connectors is an important step to improve patient safety, because the current Luer connectors have a universal design, which allows for connections between devices that were not intended to connect (for example, feeding tube to a ventilator suction catheter; feeding tube to a tracheotomy tube; blood pressure monitor to an IV line, etc.).

While tubing misconnections are less of a concern for home use, the new, safer connectors will be introduced globally. They will be for use at home, as well as in institutions, so it is important to know about the change and understand how it will impact home enteral nutrition. The new global design standards ensure that all feeding tube and feeding/administration set manufacturers will use one standard design for the connector, and it will be universally adopted into practice. 

http://www.oley.org/New_Connectors_for_Enteral_Feedings.html

The Global Enteral Device Supplier Association (GEDSA) is a nonprofit trade association formed to introduce international standards for healthcare tubing connectors. Comprised of manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers worldwide, GEDSA facilitates information flow about the initiative, which is designed to increase patient safety and optimal delivery of enteral feeding by reducing the risk of tubing misconnections. GEDSA invites everyone to stay connected as the tubing connectors are introduced through a three-phase communications program—Aware, Prepare, and Adopt—to ensure a successful transition to safer connectors.

http://www.gedsa.org/

GEDSA partners with leading experts from the Joint Commission, AAMI, American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, Premier Safety Institute, Novation, and the Oley Foundation.

The Stay Connected program is organized by GEDSA in partnership with leading industry organizations. Stay Connected is a three-phase communications program created to facilitate a successful transition from medical device applications that allow connection between unrelated delivery systems to new, safer connectors that ensure compatibility and consistency while reducing the likelihood of tubing misconnections. ISO 80369-1 is the global design standard that establishes requirements for these connectors for liquids and gases in healthcare applications.

Starting with enteral devices in 2014, the Stay Connected initiative will help gradually introduce new standard connectors for specific delivery systems, including neuraxial, limb cuff inflation, and respiratory applications.

GEDSA (Global Enteral Device Supplier Association) has been able to develop the Stay Connected communications platform and help introduce new enteral connectors with the help of the following leading experts.

Visit the Stay Connected website, sign up for news and help make this a transition smoother and a safer healthcare environment for everyone.

http://www.stayconnected.org/index.html