Significant handling errors and education gaps regarding the use of the emergency kit among adult patients with Hymenoptera venom allergy.

AIM

In case of systemic anaphylactic reactions after Hymenoptera stings, patients should be provided with an adrenaline autoinjector (AAI). We aimed to evaluate the education and handling competence of patients in a real-world setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with Hymenoptera venom allergy presenting for the first time in our clinic with a previously prescribed emergency kit including an AAI were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire and were asked to demonstrate the AAI use with a dummy.

RESULTS

82 patients (62.2% female, mean age 52.0 ± 17.3 years) with allergy to wasp venom (85.3%), bee venom (9.8%), or hornet venom (4.9%) were included. 37.8% reported to have received a practical training on the AAI upon prescription. 59.8% of all patients showed significant handling errors which would have led to misinjections in 30.6%.

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrate a considerable lack of education, significant handling errors of the emergency kit, and a high risk of misinjections of the AAI. As the emergency kit is potentially lifesaving, the awareness for a sufficient education and training needs to be risen.