The team must always ask if the syringe driver is appropriate at that time, and for that patient. There are two syringe driver pumps in common use, the Graseby MS26 and the MS16. These operate differently, and all those who set up and maintain syringe drivers must be familiar with both, as fatal errors can occur. Correct calculation Diamorphine is three times stronger than oral morphine. This allows for easy, accurate and safe conversion of analgesia, and ensures adequate pain relief.
Correct prescription is crucial if the patient is to receive the best possible pain relief.
Nurses and doctors must collaborate to achieve this. The doctor must prescribe the amount of diamorphine required in the syringe driver over 24 hours, and must prescribe the rescue dose of diamorphine on the PRN side of the medication chart. This will enable the nurse to administer diamorphine immediately if the patient experiences breakthrough pain. If the medication chart is written correctly, waiting for a doctor should be a thing of the past. Time spent explaining the procedures can eliminate problems and ensure that everyone remains informed and united at a difficult time.