Authors' objectives:

To summarise the current research evidence on needle free injector technology for diabetes.

Authors' recommendations: - Clinical impact: the market for jet injectors is potentially very large, but, at least within the diabetes market will depend initially on the number of Trusts and individuals willing to purchase their own injector and/or on the addition of these injectors to NHS prescribable product list. - Service impact: there is a need for some staff and patient training in the use of jet injectors along with careful monitoring of blood sugar as with any change in insulin delivery. The reduction in sharps disposal requirements may make jet injectors very attractive both within health services and in the home. - Patient issues: many patients may wish to be given the option of trying jet injection instead of invasive needle-based injections. This may be particularly true for children and their families, for those who dislike needles and for people on long-term medication. - Financial and overall NHS impact: This is difficult to estimate at this time, it will depend on the position of jet injectors on the prescription list. The potential to avoid costly needlestick incidents to health staff may be significant.

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2001

URL for published report: http://www.hsric.nihr.ac.uk/search

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England, United Kingdom

Organisation Name: NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre

Contact Address: The NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre, Department of Public Health, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, 90 Vincent Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2SP. United Kingdom. Tel: +44 121 414 7831, Fax: +44 121 2269

Contact Name: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Contact Email: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Copyright: National Horizon Scanning Centre