Subcutaneous Drug Infusions: a Review of Problems and Solutions

Overview

Journal Int J Palliat Nurs

Specialties Critical Care
Nursing

Date 2002 Sep 25

PMID 12271253

Citations 6

Authors

T Mitten

Affiliations

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Abstract

Subcutaneous drug infusion using a portable syringe driver has had a significant impact on patient comfort in palliative care. It permits the continuous delivery of a range of drug therapies, so bypassing problems of dysphagia, weakness and the inability of many patients in the terminal phase to take oral medication. The devices are not problem-free, however. Mechanical problems, reactions at the infusion site and difficulties with the mixing of drugs in the syringe are all widely recognized. This article reviews some general issues with the operation of portable syringe drivers, and discusses a range of potential problems and their solutions.

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