Evaluation of Challenges Facing Outpatient Clinics with EpiPen Pharmacists for Parents of Pediatric Adrenaline Auto-Injector Patients

Adrenaline auto-injector is a first-line emergency treatment for anaphylaxis. In July 2023, Ogaki Municipal Hospital (our hospital) opened a pharmaceutical outpatient clinic to train patients in EpiPen use, aiming to shift tasks from doctors, strengthen patient education, and provide EpiPen guidance using hypothetical scenarios. To assess this clinic, we provided the a questionnaire survey to the parents of the patients for investigating the benefits of EpiPen outpatient care provided by pharmacists and identifying any potential issues. Between July 2023 and July 2024, the questionnaire was administered to 107 patients who visited our pediatric outpatient clinic for guidance on the use of EpiPen. Customer satisfaction (CS) was analyzed based on their responses. The survey items addressed comprehension (4 items), teaching content (4 items), instructors (1 items), outlook (4 items), and overall evaluation; the responses were based on a five-point Likert scale. Although no key improvement items were identified in the CS analysis, actual use was selected as an improvement item. The highest degree of improvement was observed during the CS analysis (13.21). The median (range) overall rating was 5 (4 – 5). The most needed items (4 of ≥5) for future improvement were education for schoolteachers and children (95.7％), emergency procedures (79.8％), and continuing guidance (77.7％). EpiPen instructions using a hypothetical scenario were beneficial, as revealed by high parent satisfaction. Reportedly, education is crucial for school-teachers and children.