An intuitive, easy-to-use and potentially-life-saving safety pen needle device that supports controlled dose delivery and protects healthcare professionals (HCPs) from needle stick injuries (NSIs) has been launched by Owen Mumford.
Manufactured in the UK, Ateria SafeControl is an innovative active safety pen needle for HCPs who use injection pens to administer medication, particularly to patients with diabetes.
Its launch supports Insulin Safety Week’s campaign to reduce insulin errors and follows an independent survey of more than 100 HCPs which highlighted the risks of NSIs and the challenges of controlling the delivery of the correct dose.
With 3.8 million people in the UK with diabetes, and an estimated 20-30% of them treated with insulin, Trend Diabetes reports that insulin errors are common and can result in harm to the patient or even death in the most-severe cases.
The report states that insulin error occurred in 40% of all people with Type 1 Diabetes and 37% of all people with Type 2 Diabetes, highlighting the critical importance of correct dose delivery.
Listed on the Drug Tariff, following its approval for use by the NHS Prescription Services, GP practices are now able to prescribe the device and pharmacists can dispense to suitable patients.
Ateria SafeControl is also now listed with healthcare distribution group, Bunzl Healthcare, facilitating access of the device to NHS trusts and other primary health organisations.
Joanne Thompson, general manager at Owen Mumford, said: “This device minimises the possibility of needlestick injuries, helping to protect HCPs and patients from blood-borne viruses and infections.
“It has been designed to support controlled dose delivery, potentially saving lives for patients too.”
Marketing manager, Leanne Adam, adds: “This is why we have commissioned research and have taken time to understand HCP experiences and needs during their daily practice, and how it can impact patients’ lives.
“This approach has led us to develop a solution that is designed to be safe for both HCPs and patients.”
In the research, some 92% agreed they were 100% sure that the medication dose was fully delivered using the new device, and 75% agreed that it gave them the right combination of safety and control of the drug delivery during the injection process.
And almost three quarters agreed they would prefer to use Ateria SafeControl if given the choice.
Features and benefits
- A visible needle for control during the injection process
- An innovative manual push tab for one-handed activation of the safety mechanism
- Dual visible and audible safety indicators for confirmation the safety mechanism is activated
- A safety guard covering the needle to prevent needlestick injuries after injection
- The non-patient end of the needle is covered, avoiding NSIs after injection
- A recyclable green cap for sterility and protection prior to injection Compatible with all major brands of injection pens
- With Ateria SafeControl, HCPs maintain a similar injection technique to that used with conventional pen needles
Adam said: “We believe that Ateria SafeControl will provide the solution to the challenges faced by HCPs using passive safety pen needles; providing assurance that they are delivering the best care to their patients, while providing protection from NSIs.”
