Usability and Preference of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors: Auvi-Q and EpiPen Jr

Abstract Background Despite the importance of prompt epinephrine auto-injector (EAI) treatment during anaphylaxis, proper administration technique is often lacking among patients and caregivers. Objective To compare usability and participant preference of Auvi-Q and EpiPen Jr EAIs in a simulated life-threatening allergic emergency-use scenario. Methods In this randomized, crossover, human-factors usability study, untrained adults (18-65 years) were tasked with using 0.15 mg Auvi-Q and EpiPen Jr trainers to simulate epinephrine administration to a child-sized manikin. Only written instructions on the device label and/or device voice instructions were available to participants. Endpoints included completing injection tasks per device instructions (primary endpoint), completing key injection tasks, and participant preference/ratings of devices. Completion of injection tasks were evaluated using a McNemar test for paired dichotomous data. Results Ninety-six adults were included in study analyses. Significantly more participants completed all injection tasks per device instructions with Auvi-Q (85.4%) vs EpiPen Jr (19.8%; P P P P Conclusion In this study, untrained adults preferred and were more likely to use Auvi-Q correctly vs EpiPen Jr, highlighting the importance of device design for successful epinephrine administration during a life-threatening allergic emergency.