Evaluating a self infusion device for children with haemophilia

Although prophylactic treatment of boys with severe haemophilia has progressed significantly, there has been very little change in the way that coagulation factors are reconstituted and administered. Most boys with severe haemophilia can self infuse by the age of eight and most are totally self sufficient by the age of 14. This small study evaluated a product developed to improve the reconstitution and administration process by seeking the views of ten boys who self infuse recombinant coagulation factor. The boys completed a simple questionnaire related to the current method and after the introduction of new method of reconstitution using the ReFacto Rapid Reconstitution (R2) device. The R2 device was reported by most boys to be advantageous in terms of time and safety in reconstitution as well as being acceptable to all but one. Even relatively young children can be successfully included in research and their opinions about their health care should be sought before introduction of changes, especially when proposed changes could affect their ability to perform their own treatment.