What is a Syringe pump?
An Ambulatory Syringe Pump is a small, portable, battery operated device that allows medicines to be given subcutaneously (under the skin) over 24 hours for symptom management.
Why do I need one?
The ambulatory syringe pump is used to control symptoms such as pain, breathlessness, vomiting and nausea and is used if you are having difficulty swallowing your medication, are vomiting or your symptoms are not being controlled taking them orally.
Administering the medication subcutaneously means the medication is absorbed straight into your system.
The need for a pump will be reviewed with you by your doctor and nurses on a regular basis, which may mean an increase in your medication, or stopping the pump and changing to oral medication.
How does it work?
The nurse will insert a small needle into the soft tissue under your skin, usually in your upper arm, tummy or outer thigh.
The needle is removed, and a very fine plastic tube is left in place (secured with a dressing), which is changed every 72 hours or sooner if needed.
The nurse will change the syringe every 24 hours and monitor the cannula site for signs of infection (which is rare), therefore, if you see any redness or the area becomes sore, please inform the nurse as soon as possible.
The needle free cannula is connected to an infusion line that is connected to the syringe containing your medication, and is placed in the Ambulatory Syringe Pump, then into a locked plastic box. The pump gradually pushes the syringe plunger that delivers the medication over a 24 hour period.
The nurse will change the syringe every day and assess whether you need any changes to your medication that would help manage your symptoms.
How do I know if the pump is working properly?
If there is a problem with the pump it will alarm and display an error message (which the nurse will respond to), other than that is safe to assume the pump is working correctly.
The syringe will last 24 hours. If you see the syringe is empty before this time you must let the nurse know immediately.
What do I do if the alarm sounds?
Don’t worry this can happen sometimes.
If it does, contact your district nurse (details below) or the nursing staff on the ward if you are an in hospital. Always make sure that the tubing is not twisted or kinked.
Can I have a bath or shower?
Please discuss this with the nurse so that you can be supported. It may be possible to disconnect the pump whilst you bathe or shower when the pump is due to be changed. You must not get the syringe and pump wet. If this does happen you must let the nurses know immediately as it may affect the way the pump works.
What do I do if my symptoms are not controlled?
If you feel the medication is not working, discuss with your nurse or doctor who will support with adjusting your medication.
Some Dos
- Keep medicines in a secure place
- Ask the nurse any questions you may have about the syringe pump
- Always use the carry pouch provided when you are walking around to help avoid damage
- Place the pump on a flat surface when you are in bed or sat in a chair
Some Don’ts
- Don’t adjust the syringe or pump
- Don’t press any buttons
- Don’t expose the pump to water, heat or bright sunlight
Always contact your district nurse or ward nurse if:
- You are worried that the syringe pump is not working properly or you think it has been damaged
- The skin surrounding the cannula becomes red, sore, swollen or painful
- If the cannula disconnects from the skin
- The alarm sounds
Community patients
District Nurses operate 24 hours a day and your District Nurse will give you contact numbers. Please contact them if you have any concerns regarding your Ambulatory Syringe Pump.
Hospital patients
Please speak to the nurses on your ward if you have any concerns or contact the ward on:
Date of Review: January 2024
Date of Next Review: January 2026
Ref No: PI_CS_961 (NCA)