Evaluation of the Octreotide Acetate Pen Injector and its Instructions for Use in a Formative Human Factors Study

Octreotide acetate subcutaneous injection is indicated to treat acromegaly and the symptoms of carcinoid tumors and vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors (VIPomas). This formative human factors study assessed the octreotide acetate pen injector and accompanying instructions for use (IFU) with self-trained participants.

The study enrolled patients with diagnoses of acromegaly, carcinoid tumors, or VIPomas and healthcare practitioners (HCPs) who treat patients with these diagnoses. The IFU provided a stepwise process with illustrations to train participants on using the pen injector. Participants familiarized themselves with the pen injector and the IFU before administering 2 unaided injections into skin-like pads; administering the full dose into the pad was considered a successful injection. The investigators evaluated each injection by performance measures-specific tasks necessary to safely and correctly administer the medication-and subjective measures, which included participant comments, feedback from questions, and suggestions for improvements.

The study enrolled 11 participants-8 patients and 3 HCPs. Participants had a success rate of 100% for both injections. Errors included 1 participant priming the pen with the incorrect dose and 2 participants not holding the injector button for 10 s after the injection. Neither error led to a failed injection. To improve the IFU, participants suggested changing the order of wording on the priming step, clarifying illustrations of the plunger, and stronger indications to hold the injector button.

The octreotide pen injector and IFU were usable by self-trained participants. Participant errors and suggestions provided a foundation for recommendations to improve the IFU.