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The Centre for Palliative Care Research and Education launched its subcutaneous infusion device education pages in March 2011 - see http://www.health.qld.gov.au/cpcre/subcutaneous/home.asp
The most recent version of the Report on Subcutaneous Infusion Devices (Alternatives to the Graseby Syringe Driver) is on the CPCRE and Palliative Care Australia websites. The updated document includes information about a new device on the market and contact information for palliative care clinicians who have trialled or purchased alternative devices and are prepared to discuss their experiences with those yet to make a decision.
CPCRE originally worked with peak bodies Palliative Care Queensland and Palliative Care Australia in 2007 to develop a nationally coordinated response to removal of the Graseby syringe driver from sale in Australia. That response included the 2007 report - now updated and mentioned above - describing some alternative devices, and their score against criteria such as safety, cost, weight, portability, and cost of consumables - all seen as important by the palliative care community in surveys during preparation of the report.
Together with Palliative Care Australia, CPCRE continues to monitor the situation and seek information about alternative devices. As anticipated, there have been no impediments to the continued use of Graseby syringe drivers in the community.
Graham, F., & Clark, D. (2005). The syringe driver and the subcutaneous route in palliative care: The inventor, the history and the implications. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 29(1), 32-40.
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