Comparison of adrenaline auto-injector devices: Ease of use and ability to recall use

Abstract

Background: A limited number of adrenaline auto-injectors are currently available. Epipen and Anapen are available in Australia, New Zealand, UK and parts of Europe and Asia. Few studies have compared the performance of these devices. Objective: To compare the intuitiveness of use of these devices. A secondary aim was to compare the ability to recall the use of each device after a period of 3 months. Method: A random sample of 100 subjects naïve to both the EpiPen and Anapen were recruited from staff and families attending Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne Australia. Subjects were randomized to Anapen (n = 53) or EpiPen (n = 47) and asked to demonstrate use of a 'trainer' device (i) prior..