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This course introduces the use of syringe drivers in adult palliative and end-of-life care. It explores how syringe drivers support the continuous administration of prescribed medicines when other routes may be unsuitable, helping care professionals understand their role in maintaining comfort and responding to patients’ needs.
Learners will explore medicines and prescriptions, equipment preparation, patient and device monitoring, communication and documentation. The course also considers practical scenarios to help learners recognise concerns, follow workplace procedures and understand when to seek advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
CPD Accredited
Certificate Included
Learn at Your Own Pace
2 hours
Quizzes covered in each module
Syringe driver awareness
Palliative and end-of-life care
*For individual learners. Need to train multiple staff? See Organisation pricing
Why This Course Matters
Understand how syringe drivers can support comfort and symptom management in adult palliative and end-of-life care.
Recognise the importance of prescriptions, medicines-management procedures and safe working practices.
Develop awareness of patient and device monitoring to help identify and escalate concerns promptly.
Understand how effective communication supports coordinated palliative and end-of-life care.
Recognise the importance of accurate documentation for continuity and safety of care.
Did You Know?
Syringe drivers may be used when a person cannot comfortably take medicines by mouth or when another route of administration is not suitable. Their use requires an appropriate prescription, regular assessment and oversight in line with clinical guidance and local procedures.
Why Learn With Carelearner
CPD Accredited Certificate
100% Online & Self-Paced Learning
Instant Digital Certificate on Completion
Works on Desktop, Tablet & Mobile
Industry Best Practice
Earn Your CPD Certificate
Complete the course and pass the final assessment to receive a CPD-accredited certificate ready to download, print and keep on file for inspection.
What's Inside the Course?
Here are the modules you will cover in this course:
Introduction to Syringe Drivers
Explains what syringe drivers are, how they deliver prescribed medicines continuously, and why they may be used in adult palliative and end-of-life care when other routes of administration are unsuitable.
Medicines and Prescriptions
Explores the importance of valid prescriptions, prescribed medicines, checking relevant instructions and following local medicines-management procedures, while recognising the responsibilities and limits of individual roles.
Equipment and Set-up
Introduces the main components of syringe driver equipment, essential preparation considerations and the importance of following device instructions and local protocols, with set-up carried out only by appropriately trained and authorised professionals.
Monitoring the Patient and Device
Covers the importance of monitoring patient comfort, symptoms, the infusion site and device function, recognising changes or possible problems, and promptly escalating concerns to the appropriate healthcare professional.
Communication, Documentation and Scenarios
Explores effective communication with patients, families and colleagues, accurate recording of care and observations, and practical scenarios that reinforce safe working, clear handovers and appropriate escalation.
Who Is This Course For?
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Care Workers
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Healthcare Assistants (HCAs)
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Support Workers
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Senior Carers
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Nurses
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Residential & Nursing Home Staff
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Domiciliary Care Staff
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Supported Living Staff
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Agency Care Professionals
Meet the Expert Behind Your Course
Manu Thomas is an Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Former CQC Specialist Advisor and NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme Fellow. As the Founder of Pentafold Ltd and CareLearner, and a member of a NICE professional committee, he brings extensive clinical, regulatory, and healthcare innovation expertise to the development of this course.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, you will be able to:
Receive a CPD-accredited certificate upon successful completion
Strengthen your professional portfolio with accredited training.
Safely assess manual handling operations before providing support.
Choose appropriate techniques and equipment for different situations.
Explain the importance of communication, documentation and effective handovers.
Apply course knowledge to relevant scenarios while recognising professional boundaries.
FAQ
What is a syringe driver?
A syringe driver is a device that delivers prescribed medicines continuously over a set period. It may be used in palliative and end-of-life care when continuous administration is needed or another route is unsuitable.
Why are syringe drivers used in palliative and end-of-life care?
They can help provide continuous delivery of prescribed medicines to support symptom management and patient comfort, according to the individual's clinical needs and care plan.
Who should take this course?
This course is relevant to healthcare professionals and adult social care staff involved in, or supporting, palliative and end-of-life care. The level of practical responsibility for syringe drivers depends on each person's role, training and authorisation.
Does this course qualify me to operate a syringe driver?
The course develops awareness and understanding of key principles. It should not replace practical training, competency assessment, device-specific instruction or local procedures required before operating a syringe driver.
What should I do if I notice a problem with a syringe driver?
Follow your organisation's procedures and promptly contact the appropriate qualified healthcare professional. Do not alter prescribed medicines or device settings unless you are trained and authorised to do so.
Why are monitoring and documentation important?
Monitoring helps staff identify changes in a patient's condition or possible device concerns, while accurate documentation and communication support continuity of care and appropriate clinical decisions.