Patient safety alert: assisting patients who inject insulin

Some diabetic patients we see may need to inject themselves with insulin, usually via pen-shaped devices, and occasionally they may need our help if they can’t use their device themselves as normal.

But we need to do so carefully; NHS Improvement has been made aware of incidents where NHS staff have used insulin syringes and needles to extract insulin directly from patients’ pen devices or refill cartridges - usually because they aren’t confident in using the devices, or because the devices don’t have safety-engineered needles.

Please be aware that you should not extract insulin from pen devices or cartridges in this way; insulin syringes are only suitable for calculating specific doses, so if the patient’s insulin strength differs (and it’s not taken into account when working out the volume you’re drawing up and giving), you could inadvertently administer a higher dose than required. This could of course lead to severe hypoglycaemia, which can be fatal.

If you need to help a patient inject themselves with insulin, please use the patient’s safety pen if you’re trained and competent in doing so. And remember, you can always call our Clinical Advice Line on 07753 950843 if you have any questions whilst on scene with a patient, or email clinical.leads@eastamb.nhs.uk for non-urgent clinical support and advice.

Download the full patient safety alert from the NHS Central Alerting System website.

Published 8th December, 2016