In partnership with the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.), Nestlé HealthCare Nutrition launched the ‘Be R.E.A.D.Y.’ safety initiative at A.S.P.E.N.’s Clinical Nutrition Week last week to educate pediatric health care professionals on safe enteral (tube) feeding practices for hospitalized kids.

Be R.E.A.D.Y. is the third in a series of safety-focused programs that have been implemented in hospitals in the USA. This latest initiative focuses on the youngest patient population and uses a step-by-step approach presented in poster format with kid-friendly graphics.

These steps include:

—Right patient, right product, right tube: Trace tubing back to origin
—Early start of enteral feeding: Begin feedings within the first 24-48 hours, per protocol
—Assure proper preparation and handling: Use sterile, liquid enteral nutrition (EN) formulas over powders
—Deliver formula appropriately: Follow recommended hangtimes
—Your safety checklist: Use equipment designed to reduce risk of tubing misconnections, etc.

Nestlé’s safety initiatives began in 2009 when Nestlé HealthCare Nutrition partnered with A.S.P.E.N. to launch ‘Be A.L.E.R.T.,’ the company’s first program to promote safe enteral feeding practices. Be A.L.E.R.T was recently recognized by The American Society for Association Executives with its Associations Advance America Award. This award recognizes programs that exemplify the vital role associations and partners play in improving the quality of life in communities across the USA.

In 2010, Nestlé HealthCare Nutrition and A.S.P.E.N. launched Be A.W.A.R.E. to bring additional attention to safe enteral medication delivery. To date, more than 40,000 Be A.W.A.R.E. and A.L.E.R.T. safety posters have been distributed to health care facilities across the country.