Acute Medicine | Palliative care | Using syringe drivers

Using syringe drivers
Session overview
Description
This session is provides an overview of the use of continuous subcutaneous infusions (CSCI) via a syringe driver in the management of symptoms in palliative and end-of-life care.

This session was reviewed by Claire Britton and Amelia Sayce and last updated in June 2023.

Learning objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• explain what a syringe driver is
• describe indications for the use of a syringe driver in palliative and end-of-life care, including commonly used medications
• identify the different locations on a patient where a subcutaneous cannula can be inserted
• discuss the advantages and disadvantages for the use of syringe drivers
• consider and manage the myths and misconceptions around syringe drivers

This session explains the different uses of syringe drivers in symptom management and the advantages and disadvantages of use.

It also looks at how syringe drivers are used in practice and indications for use.

Finally, this session aims to dispel some myths and preconceptions that patients may have about the use of syringe drivers in an end of life care setting.

Before using a syringe driver it is essential that you have received specific training on how to use the equipment; you must also ensure you follow your organisation's SOP.