The position of syringe pumps in relation to patients affects the delivery of drugs. This article discusses the risks of raising and lowering these devices

Exploring the clinical effects of height elevation and depression on syringe pumps

Clarkson, Douglas McGregor PhD, MPhil, BSc

is development and quality manager, department of clinical physics and bioengineering, University Hospital Coventry.

Nursing Times 106(48):p 16-18, December 7, 2010.

ABSTRACT

McGregor Clarkson, D (2010) Exploring the clinical effects of height elevation and depression on syringe pumps. Nursing Times; 106: 48, 16-18.

Research has shown that the positioning of syringe pumps can have a significant effect on the amount of drug delivered to patients.

This article explains the effects of raising and lowering syringe pumps in relation to the entry site, and its impact on drug delivery. It also discusses drugs which are particularly associated with risks to patients when the device height is changed, and measures to reduce the clinical impact of height elevation and depression of infusion lines, including training.