Administration of PRNs and syringe drivers for patients under the care of GPs and Waipuna Hospice This information (from Waipuna Hospice for GPs and Nurse Practitioners) relates to the ongoing administration of PRNs and syringe drivers for patients who are under the care of their GPs and Waipuna Hospice. It includes notification of a proposed trial using prefilled syringes and PRNs and includes an invitation to complete a short survey (3 minutes). The questionnaire closes 26th February 20201. Background: The Waipuna Hospice clinical team has been working in the background mitigating risks identified in the last lock down (COVID-19 level 3 and level 4). Gap analysis: A priority risk area identified the need to ensure the administration of PRN’s and syringe drivers during a lock down. Current situation: Waipuna Hospice recently completed a short trial to investigate options to mitigate the risk to patients of potentially not receiving administration of syringe drivers or as required subcutaneous medications. Medication (prefilled syringes and PRN’s) was prepared under an aseptic process and then dispensed by Metro pharmacy in Bethlehem. The trial was limited to a small number of patients across the WBOP. The benefits have been considerable including allowing Nurses more time to focus on the patient. It raises the question whether pharmacy preparation of subcutaneous medications (including syringe drivers) should become part of everyday practice. Whilst we didn’t define any significant risks, perhaps these were hidden and we would like your input here please. Where to from here? 1. To obtain your feedback please click the link to complete this survey via SurveyMonkey. This should take no longer than 3 minutes and we will forward an anonymised summary of the results to you. Survey ends 26th February 2021. 2. Trial 2 – will be completed with a random selection of patients. We will contact you to still complete the prescription and the syringe driver form however we will request you to forward this script to Metro Pharmacy in Bethlehem. The Hospice RN will collect the prescription and deliver to the patient along with education. Why Metro Pharmacy: • • • •
They have used this model in Auckland and have helped us prepare for COVID-19 lock down They are located close to Hospice meaning staff can pick up the medication and deliver to patients along with providing in-home education They have an aseptic dispensing process therefore the shelf life of the prepared PRN medication is longer They are open in the weekends enabling timely service for patients
Review: Pending the outcome of the trial we would then need to establish a process for when patients are discharged from Hospital. For any questions or comments, contact: Angela Shaw Director of Clinical Services PH : 07 552 4380
angelas@waipunahospice.org.nz www.waipunahospice.org.nz Our values: Compassion, Advocacy, Respect, Empathy, Quality (CARE-Quality)