Elastomeric Pumps for Continuous Subcutaneous Infusion of Symptom Control Medication on Discharge

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care Medicine
• Pharmacology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Continuous subcutaneous infusion (CSCI) of symptom control medications presents challenges for palliative and end-of-life (EoL) patients during hospital discharge.
• Existing methods like syringe drivers (SDs) may be difficult to manage in outpatient settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of using single-use elastomeric pumps (EPs) for 24-hour CSCI medication delivery.
• To assess EPs as a viable alternative to syringe drivers for patients discharged from hospital.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study analyzed data from 107 EPs administered to palliative care inpatients discharged from a tertiary hospital over 12 months.
• Data collected included EP usage, prescribed drugs, and adverse events.
• Hospital cost savings related to bed-days and pump availability were extrapolated.

Main Results:

• All 107 EPs were administered without complications.
• Sixteen patients required two EPs to manage incompatible medications.
• Extrapolated cost savings reached £59,060 over the 12-month study period.

Conclusions:

• Elastomeric pumps (EPs) are a safe and effective option for CSCI medication delivery in palliative and EoL care.
• EPs offer a cost-saving solution for managing symptom control in patients transitioning from hospital to home.
• The study supports the wider adoption of EPs for discharge care in palliative medicine.