Syringe Drivers in End of Life Care – October

Our specialist Knowledge Exchange Team delivers high quality education through interactive training sessions. Our study sessions and courses are continually reviewed and updated, with new subjects added regularly to provide the most up-to-date guidance and expert advice, and to facilitate topical and diverse discussions amongst health care professionals.

Syringe drivers may be used in managing symptoms for patients, who are at the end of their lives. Not all patients who are dying require a syringe driver, however, there are common symptoms associated with dying that may need to be managed by the use of one of these devices.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Dyspnoea
• Respiratory secretions
• Agitation/restlessness

What will I learn?

• Indications/rationale for commencing use of a syringe driver
• Drug compatibility/incompatibility
• Siting of the needle
• Useful tips when in use
• Trouble shooting – problems you may encounter and how to manage them
• McKinley T34 practical