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Discussion

Reason for subcutaneous infusion?

I recently did some clinical time in inpatient hospice. One thing I noticed was that all of the patients had continuous subq infusion pumps for analgesics. I have never seen this - just IVs. I never had a chance to ask anyone why subq lines are clearly preferred in hospice care.... in this facility at least.

Can anyone give me a rundown? Bonus points for caveats or pearls. Thank you.

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    Fluid balance is a very big deal in hospice...and IV pain meds often require too much volume (over time).

    Secondly, people in the end stages of a disease who do not have an implanted port would likely require a PICC placement in order to achieve long term analgesia infusion, hospice tends to prefer to avoid these type procedures.

    Thirdly, SQ infusions are not painful and are easy to maintain both in facilities and in the field with fewer risks assoc than with IVs. The patients can use them as PCAs

    Fourth, these infusions allow a great deal of patient freedom in movement, etc...no extremity tied up with an IV and the entire bag and pump can be carried in a fanny pack.

    Fifth...it is a really good bargain in continuous infusion pain control...

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    Awesome! Thank you very much. All makes very good sense.

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