Graseby MS16A and MS26 syringe drivers: reported effectiveness of an online learning programme

Syringe drivers are commonly used within palliative care to assist with maintaining adequate symptom control. Two of the most common, the Graseby MS16A and MS26, have been associated with a number of serious clinical incidents which have been linked, in part, to inadequate training. This article reports on the results of an online learning programme on managing syringe drivers in palliative care undertaken by 5380 learners between September 2003 and October 2006. The results show that this flexible form of learning environment is acceptable to learners and can lead to improvements in both knowledge and understanding of palliative care issues. Using an online learning model allows large numbers of learners to be educated at minimal cost to either them or their organisation.