Syringe Driver Training

Safe & Effective Use of Syringe Drivers in Palliative and End-of-Life Care

This comprehensive course is designed for healthcare professionals involved in palliative care and end-of-life support, focusing on the safe use of syringe drivers for continuous subcutaneous medication administration. Combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills, the course ensures participants are confident in setting up, managing, and monitoring syringe pumps in line with clinical guidelines and legal responsibilities.

Syringe drivers play a critical role in managing complex symptoms such as pain, nausea, agitation, and breathlessness, particularly when oral medication is no longer suitable. This training promotes safe, compassionate care, helping professionals deliver person-centred support in sensitive clinical situations.

What You Will Learn

–The Role of Syringe Drivers in Palliative Care – Understand how syringe drivers support symptom control and patient comfort during advanced illness and end-of-life care.

–Benefits, Limitations & Clinical Guidelines – Explore the advantages and potential risks of syringe driver use, including NICE guidance and best practice protocols.

–Essential Equipment & Documentation – Identify the tools, consumables, and record-keeping procedures necessary for safe and effective administration.

–Common Medications & Compatibility – Learn about frequently used drugs (e.g., morphine, midazolam, haloperidol), diluents, and important compatibility considerations.

–Injection Sites & Off-Label Use – Understand site selection, how to avoid complications, and legal implications of using medications outside of licensed indications.

–Symptom Management – Recognise the symptoms commonly treated via syringe driver, such as pain, anxiety, vomiting, and respiratory distress.

–Hands-On Practical Training – Practice setting up and operating syringe drivers, with guidance on flow rate settings, troubleshooting, and maintenance.

–Monitoring & Troubleshooting – Learn to observe patients for adverse reactions, monitor vital signs, and respond to blockages, site reactions, or infusion errors.

–Communication in Palliative Settings – Develop sensitive communication skills to support patients and families, especially during difficult conversations about end-of-life care.

Who Should Attend?

-Designed for registered nurses, palliative care practitioners, and healthcare professionals involved in administering and monitoring syringe drivers.

Why Choose This Course?

-Gain clinical confidence in using syringe drivers
-Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and safety standards
-Support dignified, symptom-controlled end-of-life care

Course Availability: Available for in-house training or as an open course at selected locations.