The Syringe Driver: Continuous subcutaneous infusions in palliative care

by Andrew Dickman, James Varga, Clare Littlewood

The syringe driver is he most useful method of drug administration for delivering a continuous subcutaneous infusion when other routhes are inappropriate. Palliative care patients often have multiple symptoms that require the use of numerous drugs; as the patient's condition deteriorates the
oral route is often no longer suitable and the syringe driver is then used to ensure continued symtom control. This route increases patient comfort as it avoids the need for repeated injetions, plasma concentration levels of drugs remain constant and it maintains the patient's sense of
independence.
This highly practical book provides a wealth of information on the use of the syringe driver and on drug compatibilities for doctors, nurses and pharmacists who work in palliative care. The reader is presented with an overview of syringe drivers and continuous subcutaneous infusions followed by
referenced information about drugs that are likely to be encountered, compatibility tables and information about symptom control in the last few days of life, concentrating specifically on the use of the syringe driver.
This book will prove to be an essential source of information for doctors, nurses and pharmacists who work in palliative medicine.

170 pages, Paperback

First published May 16, 2002