User preference for a portable syringe pump for iloprost infusion

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Medical Devices
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Scleroderma (SSc) treatment with intravenous iloprost requires prolonged hospital infusions.
• Traditional syringe pumps restrict patient mobility during scleroderma treatment.
• A new portable syringe pump aims to improve patient experience and mobility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate patient and nurse satisfaction with a new portable syringe pump for iloprost administration.
• To compare the portable Infonde® pump with traditional fixed pumps in a hospital setting.
• To assess the impact of improved mobility on patient quality of life during iloprost infusions.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-four scleroderma patients and four nurses participated in the study.
• Patients and nurses completed questionnaires comparing the portable Infonde® pump to previous fixed pumps.
• Satisfaction scores ranged from 0 (fixed device better) to 10 (portable device better).

Main Results:

• Patients overwhelmingly preferred the portable Infonde® pump, with 89% giving a perfect score of 10.
• Nurses also reported complete satisfaction, with 100% giving a score of 10.
• No adverse events were recorded, indicating unchanged drug tolerability.

Conclusions:

• The portable Infonde® syringe pump is preferred by both patients and healthcare professionals for iloprost administration.
• This device enhances patient mobility and the ability to perform daily activities.
• The Infonde® pump shows potential for improving the quality of life for patients undergoing long-term iloprost infusions.