The Syringe Driver Training Course is designed for healthcare professionals who are involved in the administration of medications via syringe drivers (infusion pumps). This course provides in-depth instruction on the use of syringe drivers for continuous subcutaneous infusion, including the principles of operation, setup, and management. Participants will learn how to use syringe drivers effectively to deliver medications such as analgesics, antiemetics, and other necessary treatments. The course combines theoretical learning with practical exercises to ensure that participants are skilled in operating syringe drivers and managing patients receiving continuous infusion therapy.
 
Course Content:
 
Introduction to Syringe Drivers: Overview of syringe drivers, including their purpose, types, and the role they play in patient care, especially in palliative and end-of-life settings.
Principles of Operation: Understanding the mechanics of syringe drivers, including how they function, the components involved, and how they ensure accurate medication delivery.
Setup and Calibration: Detailed instruction on setting up and calibrating syringe drivers, including loading syringes, programming infusion rates, and verifying accuracy.
Medication Management: Guidance on preparing and administering medications via syringe drivers, including mixing and diluting medications, understanding dosage calculations, and ensuring compatibility.
Monitoring and Troubleshooting: Techniques for monitoring patients receiving continuous infusion therapy, including assessing infusion sites, recognising and addressing potential issues such as occlusions or pump alarms.
Patient Care and Education: Best practices for educating patients and their families about syringe drivers, including how to care for the infusion site, recognising signs of complications, and managing expectations.
Infection Control and Safety: Emphasis on infection control practices, safe handling of medications, and maintaining hygiene to prevent contamination and ensure patient safety.
Documentation and Reporting: Importance of accurate documentation of infusion rates, medication administration, and any issues encountered, and procedures for reporting adverse events or concerns.
Legal and Ethical Considerations: Overview of the legal and ethical responsibilities associated with using syringe drivers, including informed consent, maintaining patient confidentiality, and adherence to clinical guidelines.
Practical Skills Session: Hands-on practice in using syringe drivers, including setup, calibration, medication administration, and troubleshooting, with feedback from experienced instructors.
 
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the Syringe Driver Training Course, participants will be able to:
 
Understand Syringe Drivers: Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the purpose, types, and operation of syringe drivers and their role in patient care.
Set Up and Calibrate Equipment: Accurately set up and calibrate syringe drivers, including loading syringes, programming infusion rates, and ensuring accurate medication delivery.
Administer Medications: Prepare and administer medications via syringe drivers, including proper dosage calculations, medication mixing, and ensuring drug compatibility.
Monitor and Manage Infusions: Effectively monitor patients receiving continuous infusion therapy, identify and address potential issues, and manage any complications that arise.
Educate Patients and Families: Provide clear and supportive education to patients and their families regarding the use of syringe drivers, including site care and recognising signs of complications.
Apply Infection Control Practices: Implement infection control and safety measures to prevent contamination and ensure the safe handling of medications and equipment.
Document and Report Accurately: Maintain accurate documentation of medication administration, infusion rates, and any issues, and follow procedures for reporting adverse events.
Apply Legal and Ethical Standards: Understand and apply legal and ethical principles related to the use of syringe drivers, including informed consent, patient confidentiality, and adherence to clinical guidelines.
Demonstrate Practical Competence: Confidently apply the knowledge and skills learned through practical sessions to manage syringe drivers effectively and provide high-quality patient care.
 
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be equipped with the essential skills and knowledge required to operate syringe drivers competently and safely. They will receive certification, reflecting their competence in managing continuous infusion therapy and their readiness to deliver effective patient care in clinical settings.