Background Continuous subcutaneous infusions (CSCIs) are an effective method of multiple drug administration in end of life care when the oral route is compromised.^1,2 At present, currently available chemical and microbiological stability data limits the infusion time of a CSCI to a maximum of 24 hours.

The ability to deliver prescribed medication by a continuous subcutaneous infusion (CSCI) over 48 hours may have numerous benefits in both patient care and health service resource utilisation.

Aim To gather data regarding the most frequently prescribed CSCI drug combinations and the frequency at which CSCI prescriptions are altered.

Design Prescription details of CSCIs containing a minimum of two drugs were collected by hospital pharmacists or members of palliative care teams at 10 Acute NHS Trusts on a daily basis for a minimum of 2 days, to a maximum of 7 days.

Setting/participants Anonymised CSCI prescription data were collected from an average of 50 patients at 10 Acute NHS Trusts in the United Kingdom.

Results and Conclusion Data collection is due for completion January 2017 and results will be presented.

Acknowledgements This project was funded through a grant issued by NHS Liverpool CCG.

References

1. . Ellershaw J, Neuberger RJ, Ward C. Care of the dying patient: the last hours or days of life. BMJ2003;326:30–4.

2. . Dickman A, Scott J. Evaluating the frequency of medication adjustments to continuous subcutaneous infusions in palliative care: Is there evidence to support 48-hourly infusions? In Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC). Copenhagen, 2015.