Autoinjectors Preferred for Intramuscular Epinephrine in Anaphylaxis and Allergic Reactions

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Allergy and Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Epinephrine is the primary treatment for anaphylaxis.
• Understanding provider preferences for epinephrine administration methods is crucial for effective emergency care.
• This study investigated perceptions of intramuscular (IM) epinephrine autoinjectors versus manual injection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess emergency department (ED) healthcare provider perceptions of two IM epinephrine administration methods.
• To identify the preferred method of IM epinephrine delivery among ED providers.

Main Methods:

• An observational study utilizing a Web-based survey.
• Survey administered to healthcare providers at an academic ED.
• Assessed provider perceptions and preferred IM epinephrine administration method.

Main Results:

• 172 of 217 (79%) ED providers completed the survey.
• 82% of respondents preferred the epinephrine autoinjector.
• Autoinjectors were rated higher for ease of use, training, dosing accuracy, and speed, while manual injection was favored for lower patient cost and reduced risk of provider self-injury.

Conclusions:

• ED healthcare providers significantly prefer the autoinjector for IM epinephrine administration in anaphylaxis.
• Epinephrine autoinjector use may lower barriers to timely and effective anaphylaxis management in the ED.