Advanced Level

Safe Enteral Feeding Practice: Infection Prevention, Hang Times & Safe Handling

Stacey Kilpatrick

Course Overview

Skill Level

Advanced Level

Duration

1h 1m

Understand the principles of safe enteral feeding practice

Explain how contamination occurs within enteral feeding systems

Identify the chain of infection and methods used to break it

Recognise patients who are at increased risk from contaminated feeds

Differentiate between open and closed enteral feeding systems

State the recommended hang times for different feed types and systems

Understand the clinical risks associated with exceeding safe hang times

Apply safe feed preparation, handling and administration procedures

Demonstrate awareness of WHO hand hygiene principles during feed preparation and administration

Safely set up and monitor enteral feeding equipment in line with best practice guidance

Identify when feed, giving sets or equipment must be discarded

Complete appropriate feed labelling and clinical documentation requirements

Recognise unsafe practices that increase infection risk

Understand the importance of audit, compliance and traceability in enteral feeding care

Support safer patient outcomes through infection prevention and best-practice procedures

10 modules

17 lessons

Be working within a healthcare, care or community care environment

Have a basic understanding of patient care and infection prevention principles

Be involved in, or preparing to support, patients requiring enteral nutrition

Work under local organisational policies, clinical governance procedures and competency frameworks

Have completed any mandatory local clinical competencies required by their organisation where applicable

Professional Training

Created

3/2/2026

Last Updated

5/7/2026