Usability of a Novel Enteral Feeding System: A Summative Study

Figures & data

Figure 1 Novel Enteral Feeding System 1: The feeding pouch, which is the reservoir for 500mL of feed. 2. Elastomer (inside pouch) 3: Filling-set tubing used to fill the pouch with feed. 4: Giving-set tubing which delivers the feed to the feeding tube.

Notes: Additional equipment provided included a 60mL ENFit^® syringe, an ENFit^® extension set, enteral feed cartons and RTH formula feed bags. Reproduced/used with permission of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. Copyright Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Figure 2 Preparing novel EFS for mobile use.

Notes: Adapted/used with permission of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. Copyright Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Figure 3 Study flow chart.

Table 1 Study Population (Novices vs Non-Novices)

	n=15
	Novices (NV)	Non-Novices (NN)
Gender, n (%)
● Male	10 (66.7)	5 (33.3)
● Female	5 (33.3)	10 (66.7)
Age Group, n (%)
● ≥18 to <22	3 (20)	2 (13.3); Users
● ≥22 to <56	10 (66.7)	3 (20); Users
● ≥56	2 (13.3)	10 (66.7); 5 Users and 5 Caregivers
Ability to use novel EFS* on first testing attempt, n (%)	14 (93.3)	15 (100)

Abbreviation: *EFS, enteral feeding system.

Table 2 Achievement of Usability Elements Tested Across the Groups

Usability Element Tested	Groups
	HCP	NV	NN
Can open EFS* packaging without difficulty and remove protective caps from system components	Yes (n=15)	Yes (n=15)	Yes (n=15)
Can fill pouch with feed (pour fill)	Yes (n=15)	Yes (n=15)	Yes (n=15)
Can fill pouch with feed (RTH^# fill)	Yes (n=15)	N/A	N/A
Can disconnect filling-set tubing from the pouch, and connect system to extension set	Yes (n=15)	Yes (n=15)	Yes (n=15)
Can identify in-progress feed delivery	Yes (n=15)	Yes (n=15)	Yes (n=15)
Can identify feed delivery completion	Yes (n=15)	Yes (n=15)	Yes (n=15)
Can flush system	Yes (n=15)	Yes (n=15)	Yes (n=15)
Can loosely coil the giving-set tubing and sit, stand and move around the room while wearing a filled feeding pouch and coiled tubing within a generic crossbody bag, safely	Yes (n=15)	Yes (n=15)	Yes (n=15)

Abbreviations: *EFS, enteral feeding system; ^#RTH, ready-to-hang.