Nurse evaluation of the redesigned fertility pen injector: a questionnaire-based observational survey

BACKGROUND: Owing to the wide-ranging role nurses have in supporting patients undergoing fertility treatment, we recorded the learning/teaching expectations and experiences of nurses using a redesigned fertility pen injector. METHODS: This was a multicentre, simulated-use study, using unbranded placebo-filled pens. Before teaching patients, nurses were given free choice to rank the importance of the device attributes and predict the level of patient anxiety. Nurses taught 2-5 patients how to prepare the device, inject the dose and complete an incomplete dose. They rated the teaching experience on a 5-point scale during a questionnaire interview. RESULTS: Thirty nurses were enrolled across four countries. All nurses found the redesigned fertility pen injector easy to use and teach. 90% found the overall administration process easy to learn and teach. More than 80% (range 83%-100%) found each of the steps easy (score 4 or 5), and most found the steps easier to teach than expected (score 4 or 5; range 57%-90%). 97% would recommend the redesigned fertility pen injector to a colleague. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses rated the redesigned fertility pen injector easy to learn and use and easier to teach than expected. Most would recommend the device to a colleague.