Syringe Driver

To provide underpinning knowledge associated with the safe and appropriate use of a syringe driver for continuous subcutaneous infusions and an opportunity for familiarisation with a syringe driver so as to aid the development of practical skills.

To raise awareness of NMC key principles, legal implications and organisational policies regarding syringe driver use and promote the safety and well-being of all patients who require the administration of medications by a syringe driver.

DESCRIPTION

By the end of the course, candidates will be able to:

• Discuss legal and professional responsibilities associated with administering medication via a syringe driver
• Follow procedures for gaining consent and correct documentation
• List indications for continuous subcutaneous infusion as well as advantages and disadvantages
• Identify the required equipment to set up an infusion
• Understand the need to manage health and safety risk and follow procedures to minimise infection
• Discuss the safe administration of medication including cautions related to their preparation for use with a syringe driver
• Programme a McKinley T34 syringe driver
• Discuss observation and monitoring requirements
• Identify potential problems and necessary interventions

Practitioners will be assessed by –

• Oral answering of questions during course
• Feedback from activities and discussion
• Completion of a post course knowledge assessment

Course Content

• Legal and professional considerations and responsibilities
• Consent for care and treatment
• Introduction to syringe drivers and rationale for use
• Indications
• Advantages and disadvantages
• Anatomy
• Preferred infusion sites and those to avoid
• Cannula insertion and care
• Required equipment including syringe sizes
• The McKinley T34 – features, setting up and troubleshooting
• Medications – drug additive labelling, diluents and combining
• Using licenced drugs in an unlicensed way
• Considerations at commencement of treatment
• Documentation
• Summary