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The syringe driver--an aid to delivering symptom control
1Swansea NHS Trust.
Nursing Times
|April 15, 2004
Summary
Syringe drivers offer effective relief for distressing symptoms like pain and nausea in advanced cancer patients. This guide clarifies their role and limitations for better symptom management in palliative care.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Specialist palliative care services are increasingly focused on an advisory role.
- Disseminating knowledge on symptom control for advanced malignant disease is a key function.
- Syringe drivers are valuable tools for managing distressing symptoms such as pain, agitation, nausea, and vomiting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explain the role of the syringe driver in palliative care.
- To provide practical guidance on the use of syringe drivers.
- To address misunderstandings regarding the capabilities and limitations of syringe drivers outside of specialist palliative care.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on syringe driver use in palliative care.
- Clinical experience-based guidance development.
- Explanation of pharmacological principles for continuous subcutaneous infusion.
Main Results:
- Syringe drivers provide continuous subcutaneous infusions for consistent symptom control.
- Effective management of pain, nausea, vomiting, and agitation is achievable.
- Understanding limitations is crucial for appropriate application and patient safety.
Conclusions:
- Syringe drivers are essential for symptom management in advanced malignant disease.
- Clear guidance is needed to ensure optimal and safe use of syringe drivers.
- Enhanced understanding can improve patient comfort and quality of life in palliative care.