When should we perform a repeat training on adrenaline auto-injector use for physician trainees?

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Emergency Medicine
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Adrenaline auto-injector use requires proper technique for efficacy.
• Both healthcare providers and patients exhibit deficiencies in auto-injector usage skills.
• Training significantly improves auto-injector usage skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the optimal training frequency for maintaining adrenaline auto-injector (AAI) usage skills.
• To evaluate the impact of different reinforcement schedules on AAI proficiency.

Main Methods:

• 160 interns received baseline theoretical and practical AAI training.
• Participants were randomized into two groups: 3-month and 6-month skill demonstration.
• Skills were assessed via trainer device use and administration time.

Main Results:

• The 3-month group maintained high skill scores and administration times.
• The 6-month group showed a significant decline in skill proficiency and increased administration time.
• The 3-month group outperformed the 6-month group in all skill metrics, including preventing self-injection into the thumb.

Conclusions:

• Adrenaline auto-injector skills degrade significantly by 6 months post-training.
• 3-month skill reinforcement is superior to 6-month reinforcement for maintaining proficiency.
• Regular, continued education and skill reinforcement are crucial for physician trainees.