A comparision of two devices for the continuous infusion of cytotoxic drugs in non-hospitalised patients

The performance, cost and patient acceptability of two continuous infusion pumps, the Parker 2004 and the CADD-1, were compared in patients receiving continuous infusions of cytotoxic drugs. Eight patients used each pump for a minimum of four weeks. Questionnaires on both pumps were completed by each patient. All patients preferred the Parker pump in almost every respect. Problems encountered with the pumps were recorded over 12 months and an estimate of running costs was made. Fourteen patients used the Parker pump for an average of 20.7 weeks and 11 patients used the CADD-1 pump for an average of 14.1 weeks. Eight patients used both pumps. Using either pump, it was possible to maintain outpatients on infusion therapy with few problems. The Parker pump is more economical to run in continuous operation but is less economical than the CADD-1 pump for giving short infusions.