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The understanding, perceptions and expectations of families of terminally ill patients on introducing the syringe driver in a palliative care unit
Author(s)
Wilkinson, Margaret Mary
Date Issued
2013
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Abstract
The syringe driver is a battery-operated device which accurately delivers a continuous
subcutaneous infusion of a combination of medication to alleviate symptoms, such as pain,
nausea and vomiting, noisy moist breathing and preterminal restlessness. The researcher
who works in a palliative care unit in Cape Town noticed the ambivalence and negative
attitudes from family members regarding the use of the syringe driver. This gave rise to
distress, conflict and ambivalence in patients and between family members.
This study aimed to gain insight into the understanding, perceptions and expectations of
families of terminally ill patients commenced on a syringe driver in a palliative care unit.
A descriptive, qualitative research method was employed using semi-structured interviews,
diaries, observation and documentation as the data collection methods. Data was coded and
arranged into themes. Thematic analysis and coding were used to analyse the data during
this study.
This study found that the lack of education and written information were the two major
contributing factors towards negative attitudes causing ambivalence in family members
whose relatives were on a syringe driver. This study also highlighted the need for quality
improvement control when using the syringe driver in the palliative care unit. The need for
continuous education and written information and support for the immediate and extendedfamily
members was evident.
KEY WORDS: Syringe driver, Symptom control, Family members, Terminally ill,
Palliative care unit.
subcutaneous infusion of a combination of medication to alleviate symptoms, such as pain,
nausea and vomiting, noisy moist breathing and preterminal restlessness. The researcher
who works in a palliative care unit in Cape Town noticed the ambivalence and negative
attitudes from family members regarding the use of the syringe driver. This gave rise to
distress, conflict and ambivalence in patients and between family members.
This study aimed to gain insight into the understanding, perceptions and expectations of
families of terminally ill patients commenced on a syringe driver in a palliative care unit.
A descriptive, qualitative research method was employed using semi-structured interviews,
diaries, observation and documentation as the data collection methods. Data was coded and
arranged into themes. Thematic analysis and coding were used to analyse the data during
this study.
This study found that the lack of education and written information were the two major
contributing factors towards negative attitudes causing ambivalence in family members
whose relatives were on a syringe driver. This study also highlighted the need for quality
improvement control when using the syringe driver in the palliative care unit. The need for
continuous education and written information and support for the immediate and extendedfamily
members was evident.
KEY WORDS: Syringe driver, Symptom control, Family members, Terminally ill,
Palliative care unit.
Additional information
Thesis (MTech (Nursing))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2013
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Wilkinson_M_thesis Final 28 July 2013 REVISED.pdf
Description
Thesis
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Adobe PDF
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