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A systematic review of patients', parents’ and healthcare professionals’ adrenaline auto-injector administration techniques

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posted on 2023-06-09, 02:17 authored by Aisha El Turki, Helen Smith, Carrie LlewellynCarrie Llewellyn, Christina J Jones
Introduction: In order to enable fast treatment response to anaphylactic reactions, adrenaline auto-injectors (AAI) have been developed and manufactured. It has been reported in several studies that administration technique is suboptimal. The primary purpose of this study was to review the nature and extent of the deficiencies in administration technique among patients, parents/caregivers and healthcare professionals. Methods: Relevant publications were identified between 1998 and 2015 using two search methods: a keyword search in Embase, PubMed, British Nursing Index and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and a search of reference lists of relevant articles. Results: Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 37% of patients, 32% of parents/caregivers and 21% of healthcare professionals demonstrated correct administration technique. For studies which employed a before-and-after training study design, correct technique was achieved in 77% of patients, 79% of caregivers and 65% of healthcare professionals. The most consistently observed error was the failure to hold the device in place for the recommended time. For patients, factors associated with good technique were being aged over 18 years, trained in AAI administration by an allergist, prescribed an AAI for more than 30 months, having a history of severe anaphylaxis and membership of a support group. For parents/caregivers in addition to those mentioned, being given a training device with which to practice, improved technique. Discussion: There was wide variation in administration techniques reported. However, studies designed using before-and-after training show that even a brief demonstration and educational intervention can improve technique. Further studies are required to design and pilot acceptable and cost-effective educational materials.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

Emergency Medicine Journal

ISSN

1472-0205

Publisher

BMJ Publishing Group

Issue

6

Volume

34

Page range

403-416

Department affiliated with

  • Primary Care and Public Health Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2016-07-28

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2016-07-28

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2016-07-28

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