Incomplete and incorrect epinephrine auto-injector training to food-allergic patients by pharmacists in the Netherlands

Background Successful treatment of anaphylaxis in the community relies on early and correct use of epinephrine auto-injectors (EAI). In the Netherlands pharmacists supply EAIs to patients and have a crucial role in instructing patients in how and when to use EAI. However, there are currently no data in Europe on the quality of such instruction provided by pharmacists. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding food allergy among pharmacists in the Netherlands, and to investigate the quality of EAI instructions and demonstrations to patients by pharmacists. Methods Pharmacists were asked to complete an online questionnaire. Quality of instructions and demonstration accuracy were assessed in mystery guest visits to randomly selected pharmacies. For the statistical analysis descriptive methods were used. Results In total 25 out of 115 questionnaires were completed. Only two (8%) respondents gave correct answers concerning the proper EAI demonstration. Twenty-one (84%) respondents thought that the provision of instructions was the responsibility of pharmacists. In total, ten pharmacies were included in simulated patient visits. Five of them (50%) demonstrated the EAI. None of them demonstrated the EAI use correctly. Conclusion Food-allergic patients at high risk for anaphylaxis who receive their EAI from a community pharmacy are often not instructed on how to use an EAI or receive incorrect instructions. Pharmacists show considerable gaps in knowledge about food allergy and its management. These data suggest that opportunities exist to improve the quality of care provided by pharmacies to high risk food-allergic patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.