Epinephrine autoinjectors in order of patient preference: INT prototypes, then EpiPen followed by TwinJect
Prefilled epinephrine autoinjectors are sometimes improperly used by patients, caregivers, and physicians.
Accidental Injection of Epinephrine Into Finger (click to enlarge the image).
References:
A comparison of 4 epinephrine autoinjector delivery systems: usability and patient preference.
Guerlain S, Hugine A, Wang L. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2010 Feb;104(2):172-7.
A user-centered design process led to the development of 2 prototype epinephrine autoinjectors (INT01 and INT02) that have:
- unidirectional perceived injection end
- self-retracting needle
- voice instructions to assist in guiding users through administration (INT02)
48 participants were divided equally among 3 age groups: 7 to 10, 11 to 15, and 16 to 55 years.
48 participants were divided equally among 3 age groups: 7 to 10, 11 to 15, and 16 to 55 years.
In each group, half had prior TwinJect or EpiPen training. In 1-hour sessions, without training, participants performed simulated-use testing under observation for all 4 epinephrine delivery systems.
More participants correctly followed all device instructions with INT02 (46%) than with INT01 (27%), EpiPen (12%), or TwinJect (0%). The youngest age group [those aged 7-10 years] performed significantly worse.
The first choice of overall preference was greater for INT02 (73%) vs. INT01 (15%), EpiPen (10%), and TwinJect (2%).
The user-centered device design may have a significant impact on correct epinephrine autoinjector use and patient preference.
More participants correctly followed all device instructions with INT02 (46%) than with INT01 (27%), EpiPen (12%), or TwinJect (0%). The youngest age group [those aged 7-10 years] performed significantly worse.
The first choice of overall preference was greater for INT02 (73%) vs. INT01 (15%), EpiPen (10%), and TwinJect (2%).
The user-centered device design may have a significant impact on correct epinephrine autoinjector use and patient preference.
Accidental Injection of Epinephrine Into Finger (click to enlarge the image).
References:
A comparison of 4 epinephrine autoinjector delivery systems: usability and patient preference.
Guerlain S, Hugine A, Wang L. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2010 Feb;104(2):172-7.
What are the ‘ideal’ features of an adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injector in the treatment of anaphylaxis? http://goo.gl/lxCh
Figure: Design overview of currently available auto-injectors for emergency self-administration of adrenaline in the treatment of anaphylaxis.