Syringe drivers are small, battery-operated devices that deliver a continuous flow of medication under the skin. They are commonly used in palliative care to manage pain, nausea, agitation, and other symptoms when oral medication is no longer an option. By ensuring correct use and monitoring, you can help maintain comfort and dignity for people nearing the end of life.
What I can do
People may not always mention if there is a problem with their syringe driver, so look for signs such as:
- Redness, swelling, or leakage at the infusion site
- Increased pain, nausea, or agitation despite medication
- Device alarms or malfunctions.
A simple check-in can help ensure comfort. Try asking:
- Is the medication helping with your symptoms?
- Are you experiencing any discomfort or concerns?
- Would you like me to check anything for you?
If you suspect a problem with a syringe driver:
- Discuss concerns with the care team to determine next steps
- Document issues in the person’s care notes for continuity of care
- Alert the GP or palliative care team, if needed, for assessment and adjustments.
Medication adjustments may not always be needed. Simple strategies might help, such as:
- Checking the infusion site for irritation or discomfort and correct positioning of the device for uninterrupted delivery
- Asking the person if they need an extra dose of PRN medication for symptom relief
- Providing reassurance and comfort measures for emotional and physical wellbeing.
What I can learn
Complete the following learning modules on syringe drivers:
Read about Syringe drivers in palliative care by Marie Curie (UK).
What I can give
If a person, carer, or family needs information on syringe drivers, these resources may help:
What I can suggest
Raise awareness within your care team that syringe drivers are commonly used in palliative care to manage symptoms when oral medications are not an option.
Advocate for clear guidelines and staff education on syringe driver use, ensuring all team members are confident in setup, monitoring, removal, cleaning, and troubleshooting.
Recommend regular reviews of syringe driver use in aged care, ensuring adherence to best practice and identifying areas for improvement. This includes:
- Adhering to regular cleaning and maintenance of the device as per the manufacturer’s instructions
- Following the organisation’s policy and procedures around their use
- Providing home-based carers with guidance and support on managing syringe drivers and who to contact if issues arise.
Page created 24 February 2025