Autoinjectors are a crucial mode of drug delivery, expanding access to care by allowing patients to manage their health conditions independently and conveniently. Self-injection training devices, also referred to as autoinjector training devices, allow patients to practice using autoinjectors safely.
This blog post delves into the history of the self-injection device and the self-injection training device, explores the limitations of conventional training methods, and introduces innovative solutions that empower patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs). To explore Noble’s selection of self-injection training solutions, please get in touch.
A Brief History of Autoinjectors and Autoinjector Training Devices
Devices that allow patients to self-administer injections have existed in some form since the 1900s. For instance, a patent filed in 1918 described a hypodermic syringe that injected fluid automatically using a lever. In the 1970s, the military used needle-based autoinjectors to safeguard against chemical warfare – the MARK I nerve agent antidote kit was an early example of this technology.
It was also during the 1970s that the EpiPen, the first autoinjector device for epinephrine, was developed. Meanwhile, reusable autoinjectors for peptide-based interferons were made widely available in the 1990s through the early 2000s, while the mid-2000s saw the rise of the autoinjector designed for home use as a convenient biologics delivery system.
Modern autoinjectors are designed to be even more user-friendly. They feature buttonless or one-button activation and require just two steps to operate. A spring-driven mechanism is typically used to deliver medication through the needle.
However, despite the advances in autoinjector technology, patients still find it challenging to use this device independently. Moreover, as the autoinjector device evolves, so does the need for better training approaches that more effectively address the challenges associated with proper injection technique and patient anxiety.
Training Techniques Used in the Past
Previously, needleless training syringes were commonly used for teaching self-injection. Patients would practice injecting themselves using these devices, ideally with guidance from their HCP.
Other traditional training approaches included self-injection device training kits. These typically included:
- Simulated skin pads
- Practice syringes with blunt tips
- Written instructions and illustrations
However, these methods fell short of replicating the experience of using a self-injection device.
Challenges With Conventional Methods
Healthcare providers play an essential role in teaching patients to self-inject. They demonstrate correct techniques in-office and provide patient feedback during practice sessions.
However, this scenario is often far from what occurs today when patients are prescribed autoinjectors. A study found that a third of patients do not receive in-office training at all. Those who did receive training reported that HCPs often did not have the necessary skills to instruct them properly.
When patient training does occur, it’s often very short. Research by Aptar shows that the average time spent teaching patients to self-inject biologics is just 16 minutes per session. Patients do not have time to practice, ask questions, or request feedback. As a result, the fact that a third of patients lack the confidence to self-administer and 86% of patients misuse autoinjectors is both understandable and worrying.
Moreover, there currently needs to be more doctors in the U.S. The HCPs who remain in the workforce face challenges such as time and resource constraints. As a result, there is pressure to complete visits – and potentially cut short autoinjector training sessions—as efficiently as possible.
Promising Solution: Smart Autoinjector Training Devices
Research from Noble found that 89% of users believe having the most realistic training available is essential. Fortunately, needle training tools have evolved alongside autoinjector devices.
Unlike the practice tools of yesterday, today’s autoinjector training devices are more than just plastic replicas. They are sophisticated yet user-friendly tools with advanced features to provide a realistic and interactive training experience.
Noble, an Aptar company, delivers training solutions that relieve the training burden from HCPs while helping patients master self-injection techniques. These empower patients to learn to self-inject at home, gain confidence in their technique and overcome their anxiety.
Noble’s self-injection training device simulates all aspects of the actual autoinjector device, from appearance to function. Its features include:Â
- Customizable Plunger Speed: Pre-configured to simulate the actual device’s plunger speed.
- Multisensory Feedback: Simulates the sound and resistance of one- and two-step autoinjector devices.
- Reset Mechanism: Allows users to use the training device multiple times.
- Agitator Needle Simulation Tip: Safely replicates the feel and force of manual and automatic injections.
With these features, Noble’s self-injection training devices may help minimize the need for longer or more involved training sessions with HCPs.
Noble also offers an onboarding platform, AdhereIT®, designed to work with training devices and actual self-injectors. It alerts patients when an injection is completed correctly or a wet injection occurs. This platform also includes a smart analytics dashboard that allows HCPs to monitor their patients’ performance, providing valuable information on medication adherence.
Impact on Healthcare and Future Trends
Training devices that allow patients to learn to self-inject and help HCPs better understand autoinjectors have made and will continue to positively impact the healthcare landscape.
Patient Safety and Confidence
Fear of needles and lack of confidence in self-injection can lead to treatment noncompliance. In turn, this can result in poor patient outcomes and reduced quality of life.
The self-injection training device plays a crucial role in relieving patient anxiety and improving their confidence when self-administering medication. They become more comfortable and confident with the procedure, reducing errors and encouraging them to adhere to their treatment plans.
Reduced Healthcare Costs
Providing patients and carers with training tools can avoid unexpected visits to healthcare facilities due to incorrect administration or complications. This reduction in emergency visits may translate to lower overall healthcare costs.
Improved Patient Compliance
Autoinjector training devices also aid healthcare providers in assessing patient compliance. By monitoring patients’ use of training devices, healthcare providers can ensure that patients understand the correct techniques, reducing the likelihood of patients neglecting their treatment.
These training devices’ capabilities will likely continue to improve. They will further enhance user experience, personalize training, emphasize connected health as well as deliver data-driven insights on patient behavior, enabling proactive interventions from HCPs.
Meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies benefit from the competitive advantage of adopting strategies that make treatments less daunting to patients. Besides differentiating pharmaceutical companies from competitors, leveraging training devices for self-injection can translate to increased adoption of their medications and potentially higher sales.
Explore the Advantages of Innovative Self-Injection Training Devices
Noble equips pharmaceutical and biotech partners with best-in-class self-injection training devices and prefilled syringes. For more information about its solutions, please get in touch.Â