Bright Ideas Grants Project

Continuous Subcutaneous Infusion (CSCI) Compatibility Checker: Validation and Pilot Evaluation of a Bedside Clinical Decision Support Tool

Department: Department of Palliative Care and Med onc advanced trainee

Dr Adarsh Das is an advanced trainee in medical oncology and palliative care at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, currently in the final stages of his training to become a consultant. In his clinical practice, he supports patients through active cancer therapies, complex symptom control, and end-of-life care. His systematic review on the management of intractable hiccups won the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) AChPM Trainee Research Project of the Year in 2026. Dedicated to the continuous improvement of patient care, he remains actively involved in clinical research to help advance evidence-based practice in palliative medicine.

Project description

When patients nearing the end of life can no longer swallow oral medications, a portable pump- known as a syringe driver - delivers continuous symptom relief through a tiny needle just under the skin, avoiding the discomfort of repeated needles or intravenous lines. Clinicians frequently combine two or three medications within a single syringe to manage multiple symptoms, but certain drug combinations can precipitate crystals, block tubing, and disrupt essential care.

To address this, I am developing a free, accessible online tool that allows doctors, nurses, and pharmacists to instantly verify drug compatibility and safe concentrations at the bedside. Support from Charlies Foundation for Research will enable us to optimise this platform for clinical practice and evaluate its impact on decision-making speed and accuracy. Ultimately, this project aims to ensure seamless, reliable comfort care for patients and greater peace of mind for their families.