Anaphylaxis and adrenaline auto-injectors: what do pharmacists know?

Background

Pharmacists play a key role to provide advice on allergy and train patients, notably on adrenaline auto-injectors (AAI) and may be faced to an anaphylaxis in real-life.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of pharmacists on anaphylaxis, its management and AAI

Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was sent online to pharmacists working in community and hospital settings.

Results

71 responses were collected from hospital pharmacists (n = 49) and community pharmacists (n = 22). More than 80% of respondents had correct answers regarding definition, triggers, risk factors and management of anaphylaxis. The rates of correct answers regarding the storage conditions, the need for an emergency kit including adrenaline in pharmacy authorized to perform vaccination were high (at around 90%). Regarding the provision of AAI in secondary schools and the authorization for school nurses to prescribe AAI, 37 (52%) and 45 (63%) pharmacists had correct answers, respectively.

Among the 22 community pharmacists, 19 (86%) had at least one AAI in their first emergency kit and 7 (32%) had a trainer for demonstration in their office. Seven (10%) pharmacists had previously experienced anaphylaxis. The main barriers to patient training were: lack of AAI trainer (n = 47, 65%), lack of self-training/knowledge about AAI use (n = 34, 48%). Around 10% of pharmacists had ever received training on when and how to use an AAI or in the management of anaphylaxis

Conclusion

A partnership between pharmacists and allergists, shared training programs are required to improve the quality of care provided by pharmacists in this field.