An evaluation of two subcutaneous infusion devices in children receiving palliative care.

Children and young people with advanced cancer frequently have a central venous access device (central line) in place which can be used for intravenous medication for symptom management. Those that do not may need a subcutaneous device for medication infusion. Two subcutaneous devices were evaluated in four children requiring infusion of opioids, anti-emetics, anti-muscarinic agents and benzodiazepines during their palliative care. The length of time the device was in situ and local skin reactions were monitored and the views of children, parents and nurses obtained. Out of 32 evaluations, 28 (88 per cent) indicated that the Thalaset s/c device was preferred to the winged device in terms of child comfort and nurse satisfaction. Although limited by the number of children in the evaluation, the results support the use of the Thalaset s/c device as part of symptom management for children and young people who do not have central lines.