Use of a syringe driver for end of life care

About this course

The syringe driver training course is aimed at registered nurses who want to acquire knowledge for the first time, or refreshers, around syringe drivers.

The aim is to teach participants the theoretical and practical skills required to safely and effectively use syringe drivers in palliative or end of life care.

Course summary

• Discussion of past and present attitudes/ experience around palliative care.
• Holistic palliative care.
• Discussion of considerations and difficult conversations.
• Accountability.
• Advantages and disadvantages of using a syringe driver.
• Equipment required.
• Documentation and labelling syringes.
• Monitoring patient checks.
• Syringes.
• Sites to use and avoid.
• Use of drugs beyond licence.
• Commonly used drugs.
• Troubleshooting.
• Practical demonstration of how to set up a syringe pump (a McKinley T34 syringe pump – if an alternative machine is required, you will need to supply the unit).