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An evaluation of two subcutaneous infusion devices in children receiving palliative care
1Royal Marsden Hospital, Surrey.
Insights
For children with advanced cancer needing medication, the Thalaset subcutaneous device offered better comfort and nurse satisfaction compared to a winged device. This study supports its use for symptom management in young patients without central lines.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care
- Pediatric Oncology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Children with advanced cancer often require central venous access devices for medication.
- Alternative subcutaneous devices are needed for symptom management in pediatric palliative care when central lines are absent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate two types of subcutaneous devices for medication infusion in children and young people undergoing palliative care.
- To compare child comfort and nurse satisfaction between a Thalaset s/c device and a winged device.
Main Methods:
- Four children received medication via two different subcutaneous devices during palliative care.
- Evaluated device duration, skin reactions, and gathered feedback from children, parents, and nurses.
Main Results:
- The Thalaset s/c device was preferred in 88% of evaluations (28 out of 32).
- Preference was based on improved child comfort and nurse satisfaction compared to the winged device.
Conclusions:
- The Thalaset s/c device demonstrates potential as a preferred option for symptom management in pediatric palliative care.
- Results suggest the Thalaset s/c device is a viable alternative for children and young people lacking central lines.
Abstract:
Children and young people with advanced cancer frequently have a central venous access device (central line) in place which can be used for intravenous medication for symptom management. Those that do not may need a subcutaneous device for medication infusion. Two subcutaneous devices were evaluated in four children requiring infusion of opioids, anti-emetics, anti-muscarinic agents and benzodiazepines during their palliative care. The length of time the device was in situ and local skin reactions were monitored and the views of children, parents and nurses obtained. Out of 32 evaluations, 28 (88 per cent) indicated that the Thalaset s/c device was preferred to the winged device in terms of child comfort and nurse satisfaction. Although limited by the number of children in the evaluation, the results support the use of the Thalaset s/c device as part of symptom management for children and young people who do not have central lines.
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