The role and safe use of the ambulatory syringe pump in palliative and end-of-life care

摘要

This short article comments on the role of the ambulatory syringe pump in palliative and end-of-life care and the importance of safety when using this device. A syringe pump is a portable, battery-driven, continuous subcutaneous infusion (CSCI), which is an effective method of drug administration used in palliative and end-of-life care (Dickman and Schneider, 2015). This method of drug administration allows patients to achieve better control of symptoms by maintaining steady blood plasma concentrations of the drugs in use over a 24-hour period, thus avoiding the need for repeated injections. The T34 ambulatory syringe pump, used throughout Scotland, has safety features incorporated into the device. These include sensors to identify the type of syringe used thus ensuring that it is fitted correctly. The visual screen on the pump prompts the health professional through the stages of setting up the pump and also in maintaining safety checks when in use. Built in syringe pump alarms alert the patient, relative or health professional to problems with the device or accessories used with it, such as occlusion of the subcutaneous infusion line, low battery power or if the infusion is nearing completion. Once a syringe pump has been prepared the settings are locked on the pump and the pump is then situated within a secure lock box which only health professionals can access with a key.