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.