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Use of Syringe Drivers
Course Description
Syringe drivers are vital in aged care because they provide safe, continuous medication delivery for residents who are nearing end of life, have complex symptoms, or cannot take medicines orally. They ensure steady symptom control, reduce discomfort, and avoid the pain and distress of repeated injections. By offering a reliable alternative when swallowing is difficult, syringe drivers help maintain comfort, dignity, and quality of care for older people with advanced illness.
They also reduce medication errors through accurate, programmable infusions and help staff respond quickly to changing needs. Families gain confidence knowing their loved one’s symptoms are well managed, and staff can deliver timely, person-centred care. Competence with syringe drivers is expected under aged care and palliative care standards for high-quality clinical care.
Learning Outcomes
To equip aged care staff with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to safely set up, monitor, and support residents using syringe drivers, ensuring effective symptom management, comfort, dignity, and compliance with best-practice palliative care standards.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
* Explain what a syringe driver is, when it is used, and its role in palliative and end-of-life care.
* Identify clinical situations where a syringe driver is indicated, including difficulties with oral medication and complex symptom needs.
* Describe common medications delivered via syringe drivers and their purposes (e.g., opioids, antiemetics, sedatives).
* Set up a syringe driver safely, following organisational protocols and manufacturer instructions.
* Monitor the syringe driver and the resident, recognising normal functioning, potential issues, and early signs of medication or device problems.
* Document and communicate effectively, escalating concerns promptly to the appropriate clinician.
Course Code:
AOC17299-B-R-AUCPD Points:
0.5Course Availability:
Due to be released 31/08/2026Topics:
Clinical SkillsLibrary:
Residential CareCollection:
Care & Clinical