An enteral misconnection is a mistaken connection between an enteral feeding system and another patient line or tube, such as an intravascular line or tracheostomy. ASPEN supports the use of enteral connectors that are specific only to the enteral nutrition system, such as ENFit® connections, which prevent misconnections and improve patient safety.
Key Literature on the Impact of Enteral Misconnections:
- Ethington S, Volpe A, Guenter P, Simmons D. The lingering safety menace: a 10‐year review of enteral misconnection adverse events and narrative review. Nutr Clin Pract. 2024;39:1251‐1258.
- Simmons D, Symes L, Guenter P, Graves K. Tubing Misconnections: Normalization of Deviance. Nutr Clin Pract, 2011
- Guenter P, Hicks RW, Simmons D, et al. Enteral feeding misconnections: a consortium position statement. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf. 2008
- Miller SJ. Enteral Feeding Misconnections: A Consortium Position Statement. Nutr Clin Pract. 2008;23(6):664-665. doi:10.1177/0884533608326324
ASPEN Supports the Transition to Safer Enteral Connectors:
In 2015, following the publication of enteral connector standards by the International Organization for Standardization, ENFit® connectors came into the market. ASPEN partnered with several organizations, including the Global Engineered Device Supply Association (GEDSA), The Institute for Safe Medication Practices, The Joint Commission, the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, and the US Food and Drug Administration, to provide awareness, prepare for conversion to EnFit® connectors, and educate all stakeholders.
For ENFit® tool kits, videos, and transition checklists visit GEDSA’s site.