Anticipatory syringe pumps: benefits and risks.
Accepted version
Peer-reviewed
Repository URI
Repository DOI
Change log
Authors
Bowers, Ben https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6772-2620
Pollock, Kristian
Dickman, Andrew
Ryan, Richella
Barclay, Stephen https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4505-7743
Abstract
We welcome the Association of Supportive and Palliative Care Pharmacy’s (ASPCP) recent position statement that the perceived benefit of anticipatory prescribing of a syringe pump (driver) does not outweigh potential risks. (1) This is an area of practice which has needed clear national guidance for some time. (2)
The committee cited the following specific risks:
- A lack of individualisation
- No anticipation of dose/drug changes between prescribing & initiation
- Administration errors. (1)
Given these risks, it is of concern that anticipatory syringe pump prescribing appears relatively common in some areas of the UK and is perhaps increasing during the Covid-19 pandemic. (3) Population level information is lacking on how many patients are prescribed or commenced on syringe pumps at home, although they are common in generalist community palliative care.
Description
Keywords
clinical assessment, drug administration, home care, nursing home care, symptoms and symptom management, terminal care, Humans, Infusion Pumps, Risk Assessment, Syringes, Terminal Care
Journal Title
BMJ Support Palliat Care
Conference Name
Journal ISSN
2045-435X
2045-4368
2045-4368
Volume Title
11
Publisher
BMJ
Publisher DOI
Rights
All rights reserved
Sponsorship
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) (via University of Oxford) (Capacity Building Award 9)
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) (SPCR-146)
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) (SPCR-146)
BB is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) School for Primary Care Research. SB is supported by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration East of England (ARC EoE) programme.