Subcutaneous medication preparation/administration in home-based palliative care

Presenters: 

Della Roberts, RN, MSN, CHPCN(C) Special Projects Manager  (BC Centre for Palliative Care) Adjunct Professor, University of Victoria School of Nursing

Nicole Wikjord, RN, MSN, CHPCN(C) Clinical Nurse Specialist; Adjunct Professor, University of British Columbia, School of Nursing

In Canada, it is common for home care nurses to pre-draw and label subcutaneous medications for family caregivers to administer to people with advanced progressive life-limiting illness at home. However, there is limited evidence to base guidelines for this nursing practice and significant variability in existing guidelines.

This project engaged an expert panel in a Delphi process to develop a consensus statement to guide nursing decision making for people receiving palliative care who need subcutaneous medications for symptom management at home. The statement includes the evidence base and nursing decision-making factors in preparation of subcutaneous medication for people receiving palliative care at home based as well as implications for the health system, practice, people living with life-limiting illness and family caregivers, education and research.

Participants will learn:

1. Why a consensus statement was needed.

2. How the Delphi process and expert panel were used

3. Factors and considerations involved in nursing decision making for pre-drawn syringes

4. How the Expert Consensus statement can inform practice in community settings

Della Roberts 

As Special Projects Manager, Della informs and leads the development of priority projects for the BC Centre for Palliative Care. Della practiced as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Palliative Care in three BC health authorities. She has extensive involvement in palliative care service delivery innovation, curriculum development and research, and is the co-author of a research-based guide to determine the next palliative home care nursing visit.

Nicole  Wikjord

Nicole is a Registered Nurse (RN), with a Masters of Science in Nursing degree.  She is also certified from the Canadian Nurses Association, with specialty practice in Hospice- Palliative Care since 2004.  Nicole has worked in palliative care in various roles; currently she is a Clinical Nurse Specialist at BC Cancer.  In her spare time, Nicole connects with her mental, physical, emotional, spiritual well being by digging in the garden, taking photos, and chasing her two sons, dog and husband around the green spaces of Coast Salish territory.