Efficacy of an adrenaline auto-injector diary for patients allergic to
foods or insect stings
Abstract
Background: Adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) are not used correctly by
patients and their caregivers because of a lack of training. The aim of
this study was to determine how to help patients maintain proper use of
AAIs. Methods: Patients prescribed AAIs or their caregivers were
recruited. At enrollment, they were asked to demonstrate use of a
‘trainer’ device, and they were given a calendar as a diary. They were
asked to mark the days they practice for a year. After one year, their
performance was re-evaluated. Their skills were evaluated in five steps
that consisted of a) how to hold the AAI, b) removing the cap, c)
selecting the mid-anterolateral thigh as the correct site of injection,
d) holding firmly in place for 5 seconds, and e) massaging after
injection. The primary endpoint was the percentage of participants that
correctly used the AAI one year after enrollment. Results: A total of
102 participants were enrolled. At enrollment, of the 82 participants
who had previous AAI prescriptions, 38 (46.3%) used it correctly.
Except for evaluation items d) and e), 55 of 82 (67.1%) used it
correctly. Ninety-seven participants could be confirmed after one year,
and 81 of them (83.5%) used the AAI correctly. Conclusion: Distributing
the diary was effective in maintaining AAI skill. It is thought that the
diary helped participants maintain their motivation to practice using
the AAI.