HINT: What is the Amika+ enteral feeding pump and how is it being used in home and community?
Connected Care Quick Hits are up to date and evidence based recommendations for the care of children with medical complexity & technology dependence, from hospital to home.
HINT: What is the Amika+ enteral feeding pump and how is it being used in home and community?
SITUATION:
This QuickHit was developed to share information about the Amika+ Enteral Pump which is an enteral feeding pump that was recently introduced in Canada for use among the paediatric population and will be the primary enteral feeding pump used by Ontario Health atHome.
BACKGROUND:
Children with enteral tubes (e.g., nasogastric, gastrostomy, gastrojejunostomy tubes) may require enteral feeding pumps to receive nutrition and/or hydration in home and community. Alternative methods of administration for enteral feeding at home include syringe and gravity. In choosing the most appropriate method for enteral feeding, the following is considered: child’s tolerance of feeds, safety of the child, access and costs of equipment, ease of use and portability, and child/family caregiver preferences.
The Amika+ Enteral Pump is an enteral feeding pump that was recently introduced in Canada for use by the paediatric population. As of November, the Amika+ Enteral Pump is the primary enteral feeding pump distributed by Ontario Health atHome.
ASSESSMENT:
The Amika+ Enteral Pump and associated supplies are available for purchase from select vendors and/or may be loaned by families on a short-term basis from Ontario Health atHome. The following equipment and supplies are required for use of the feeding pump at home:
Amika+ Pump: enteral feeding pump that delivers nutrition and/or hydration.
Smart Holder & Power Cable: allows the pump to be attached vertically or horizontally to a wide range of supports (e.g., IV pole, wheelchair). The smart holder also charges the battery of the pump when plugged into AC power.
Feeding Set: a combination of a bag and tubing that is installed in the pump. The fluids are poured into the feeding bag and the tubing is connected to the child’s enteral tube to administer nutrition and/or hydration.
Instructions for Use: a reference guide with step-by-step instructions on how to use the feeding pump and troubleshoot common alarms.
RECOMMENDATION:
Connected Care recommends the following when using the Amika+ Enteral Pump in home and community settings:
Confirm the prescribed feeding and/or hydration plan for the child including:
Type of feed (e.g., blenderized diet, formula, fluids)
Frequency and timing of feeds (e.g., continuous, every 4 hours)
Rate (in mL/hr) and volume (in mL) of feeds
To prepare and install the feeding set:
Fill the feeding bag with the appropriate type and amount of feed
Ensure the pinch clamp is closed when filling the feeding bag to prevent leaking of the feed. Fill the drip chamber to half level by squeezing it gently.
Open the door on the feeding set by pushing the lever up and install the feeding set into the pump. Insert the pinch clamp until you hear a “click”. Close and lock the door by pushing the lever down.
To prime the feeding set, there are two priming modes on the feeding pump including: automatic (press prime key then start key) or semi-automatic (press and hold prime key)
To program the enteral feeding pump:
Ensure the settings and mode are programmed correctly based on the child’s feeding plan. Majority of children will use the continuous mode with a target volume. This setting will allow you to program a rate and target volume (as shown in the image below).
The feeding pump will recall the last programmed settings.
When charging the battery of the feeding pump, attach the feeding pump to the smart holder (see image 1). A power cord plugs into the smart holder and then can be plugged into AC power for charging (see image 2). The charging time for a full battery is 6 hours.
For cleaning and maintenance, wipe the pump and smart holder at least once a week or as needed. The door on the feeding pump can be removed to facilitate cleaning. Review Connected Care’s Quick Hit on cleaning and replacing enteral feeding bags.
Register for the Connected Care Amika+ Enteral Pump webinar. The webinar will provide an overview of the Amika+ Enteral Pump including setting up and programming the pump, adjusting settings on the device, and troubleshooting common alarms.
Review the Amika+ e-training modules offered by the manufacturer. The modules include a comprehensive overview of the pump functions and alarms and an online simulator for practice with using the pump.
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