Syringe Driver Training

Syringe Driver Training Course

This syringe driver training course is aimed at registered nurses who want to upskill or refresh their knowledge around syringe drivers.

First, The aim is to teach delegates the theoretical and practical skills required to safely and effectively use syringe drivers.

The syringe driver training will teach delegates the importance of ensuring the machine is set up correctly before administering any medication through them.

This training course is tailored around the McKinley T34, training can be arranged for alternative models if required – please let us know in advance.

Course Format Options:

Please be aware that this course is available in both face-to-face and blended formats, allowing you to choose the learning style that best suits your needs.

Our face-to-face sessions enable hands-on learning and practical demonstrations, prioritising your safety and well-being by following all required health and safety guidelines during the training sessions.

Syringe Driver Course Duration: 2-3 Hours

This course is designed to be completed in 2 to 3 hours, allowing participants to gain essential knowledge and hands-on experience efficiently.

Syringe Driver Certification:

Upon successful completion of the syringe driver course, participants will receive a certification of completion, acknowledging their proficiency in syringe driver operation and palliative care practices.

Syringe Driver Course Content

We have designed this Syringe Driver training course to help you gain proficiency in operating syringe pumps within the context of palliative care. We aim to provide comprehensive syringe driver training, and here is an expanded explanation of what you can expect to learn:

1. Understanding Palliative Care

• Explore the historical and contemporary perspectives on palliative care to gain a deep understanding of its significance.
• Acquire the skills to deliver holistic palliative care, taking into account the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of patient well-being.

2. Considerations and Difficult Conversations

• Gain insight into the crucial factors that require consideration when providing palliative care.
• Develop effective communication abilities to navigate challenging conversations with both patients and their families sensitively and professionally.

3. Accountability

• Comprehend the concept of accountability in the context of palliative care, ensuring that you can uphold safe and responsible practices.

4. Advantages and Disadvantages of Syringe Drivers

• Discover the advantages associated with the utilisation of syringe drivers for continuous medication administration.
• Recognise the limitations and potential challenges that may arise when using syringe drivers in clinical practice.

5. Equipment Requirements

• Identify the essential equipment required for the successful operation of syringe drivers, ensuring you are adequately prepared for various clinical scenarios.

6. Documentation and Syringe Labelling

• Learn how to maintain precise and comprehensive records, as well as the correct labelling of syringes, to guarantee patient safety and adherence to best practices.

7. Monitoring and Patient Checks

• Develop the skills necessary to monitor patients effectively and conduct regular checks, thereby ensuring their comfort and well-being throughout their palliative care journey.

8. Commonly Used Drugs

• Familiarise yourself with the medications frequently employed in palliative care, including their intended purposes and potential side effects.

9. Syringes

• Explore the different types of syringes available and their specific applications in medication administration.

10. Injection Sites: Use and Avoidance

• Learn about suitable injection sites for safe syringe driver use and understand areas to avoid in order to prevent complications.

11. Use of Drugs Beyond Licence

• Gain an understanding of the considerations and regulations associated with using medications for purposes beyond their licensed indications.

12. Troubleshooting Syringe Drivers

• Develop problem-solving skills to effectively address common issues that may arise when using syringe drivers in clinical settings.

13. Practical Demonstration

• Observe a step-by-step practical demonstration of how to set up and operate a syringe pump, ensuring you have a clear and practical understanding.

14. Syringe Driver Hands-On Session 

• Apply the knowledge gained through active participation in a hands-on session, during which you will set up a McKinley T34 syringe pump. If you have an alternative machine, please bring it along for practice.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this syringe training course, participants will:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of palliative care, including its historical context and holistic approach.
• Develop effective communication skills for navigating challenging conversations in palliative care.
• Acquire proficiency in using syringe drivers, understanding their advantages and limitations.
• Identify the necessary equipment and documentation requirements for syringe driver administration.
• Master monitoring techniques and routine patient checks.
• Familiarise themselves with commonly used drugs and appropriate syringe use.
• Understand injection site selection and the considerations surrounding drug use beyond their licence.
• Develop troubleshooting skills for syringe driver-related issues.
• Be able to set up and operate a syringe pump through practical demonstrations.

Who Should Attend the Syringe Training

• Healthcare professionals
• Caregivers
• Individuals involved in palliative care and end-of-life patient support

This course is suitable for:

• Beginners looking to enter the field
• Those seeking to enhance their skills in syringe driver usage.

Syringe Driver Course Benefits

Syringe training imparts the knowledge and practical abilities to safely operate this technology and optimise its use in improving patient comfort and care. By attending the course you will:

• Gain hands-on skills to properly set up and operate syringe drivers to safely deliver medications or fluids.
• Learn how to calculate infusion rates and program the pump accurately based on prescriber orders.
• Develop competency in pump programming and administration techniques to prevent errors.
• Understand potential complications and troubleshoot common syringe driver issues to promptly address problems.
• Increase knowledge on the types of medications and therapies administered via drivers in palliative and end-of-life care.
• Build confidence managing pain, symptoms, and intravenous drug delivery through programmable driver technology.
• Earn a recognized qualification and continuing education credits upon course completion.
• Refresh and reinforce syringe driver knowledge and expertise through up-to-date training.
• Network with peers and share best practices for enhancing syringe driver procedures and patient care.
• Comply with clinical training requirements for handling controlled substances.

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Questions and Answer

1. How many drugs can go in a syringe driver?

The number of drugs that can be administered via a syringe driver may vary depending on the specific model and settings. Some syringe drivers allow for the delivery of a single medication, while others can accommodate multiple medications simultaneously. The capacity depends on the particular device and the patient’s treatment plan.

2. What is syringe driver training course?

Syringe driver training teaches healthcare professionals and caregivers how to operate syringe drivers effectively. It covers the safe and correct use of syringe pumps, including medication administration, equipment setup, troubleshooting, and patient monitoring.

3. Why would a syringe driver alarm?

Syringe drivers may generate alarms for various reasons, such as occlusion (blockage in the tubing), low battery, or the completion of a medication infusion. These alarms serve as alerts to healthcare providers, ensuring the safe and timely management of the patient’s care.

4. How long can someone be on a syringe driver?

The duration of syringe driver use varies based on the patient’s medical condition and treatment plan. It can range from a short-term solution for symptom management to a longer-term approach in palliative care, depending on the individual’s needs.

5. What is a syringe driver used for in palliative care?

In palliative care, a syringe driver is frequently used to provide continuous and controlled administration of medications to manage symptoms such as pain, nausea, and anxiety. It helps improve the patient’s comfort and quality of life during their end-of-life journey.

6. What is T34 training?

T34 training refers to instruction and education on the setup, operation, and maintenance of a specific type of syringe pump known as the “T34 syringe pump.” This training ensures that healthcare professionals are proficient in using this particular device for medication administration.

7. What is the difference between a T33, T34, and a T43?

T33, T34, and T43 refer to different models of syringe pumps. The main differences between these models typically involve their features, capabilities, and compatibility with various medications. Specific details may vary depending on the manufacturer and model, so it’s essential to receive training and guidance specific to the model you are using.

8. What is the criteria for a syringe driver?

The criteria for using a syringe driver typically involve assessing the patient’s medical condition, the need for continuous medication administration, and the suitability of the chosen medication for this method. Your healthcare provider will determine if a syringe driver is appropriate for your specific situation.

9. Is a syringe driver end of life?

In end-of-life care, syringe drivers frequently provide continuous symptom management. However, they can also serve other situations where continuous medication delivery is necessary. Their use is not exclusive to end-of-life care.

10. How many drugs in a syringe driver?

The specific model and settings of a syringe driver can vary the number of drugs that it can administer. In some cases, a single syringe driver can deliver one medication, while others may permit the administration of multiple medications simultaneously. The number of drugs used in a syringe driver will depend on the patient’s needs and the prescribed treatment plan.

11. Can you have a syringe driver at home?

Yes, it is possible to have a syringe driver at home, especially in cases where patients require continuous medication for symptom management or pain relief. If necessary for your home care, your healthcare provider will assess your needs and arrange for a syringe driver.