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https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/123293
Title: | Knowledge on the use of adrenaline autoinjectors among healthcare professionals |
Authors: | Gouder, Caroline Borg, Darren Corso, Stefano Debono, Ivan Montefort, Stephen |
Keywords: | Adrenaline Anaphylaxis Epinephrine Allergy products Medical personnel |
Issue Date: | 2024 |
Publisher: | University of Malta. Medical School |
Citation: | Gouder, C., Borg, D., Corso, S., Debono, I., & Montefort, S. (2024). Knowledge on the use of adrenaline autoinjectors among healthcare professionals. Malta Medical Journal, 36(2), 13-19. |
Abstract: | BACKGROUND: Adrenaline auto-injectors are indicated in the emergency treatment of allergic reactions including anaphylaxis prescribed to patients at increased risk for anaphylaxis, intended for immediate self-administration as emergency supportive therapy only and not a substitute for immediate medical care. The objective of this audit was to study the knowledge of indications for prescription and administration, mode of administration and post-administration management of an adrenaline autoinjector among health care professionals at our local hospital. METHOD: 86 medical doctors across various working grades in the Department of Medicine and 16 pharmacists were asked to complete a questionnaire in the presence of the investigator in July 2018 at Mater Dei Hospital, Malta. RESULTS: The mean age was 27.5years and 57% were females. 21 participants had previously prescribed an Epipen®. Questions answered correctly were as follows: dosage in adults 63% and children 54%; correct indication for prescription 73%; correct indication for administration 100%; correct injection end of autoinjector 79.4%; incorrect patient positioning for injection 13%; correct site of administration 99%; correct duration of injection 56.8%; common side effects 73.5%; referral to A&E post-administration 75%; timing of repeat injection 80%; contraindications 86.7%. 68.6% participants did not feel confident explaining to patients when to use it while 72.5% participants did not feel confident explaining how to use it. CONCLUSION: It is evident that education is urgently needed among health care professions on the indications for prescription, mode of administration as well as post-administration management of this potentially life-saving medication. |
URI: | https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/123293 |
Appears in Collections: | MMJ, Volume 36, Issue 2 |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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MMJ36(2)A2.pdf | 185.96 kB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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