Pen vs. Vial-and-Syringe: Which do Patients Prefer?

This study was designed to evaluate patient preferences on insulin delivery, as well as health care professionals, as their recommendations can influence the decisions patients make on their diabetes management.

 

A randomized, multicenter crossover, open-label study was conducted in 60 centers across the United States. A total of 405 patients participated in a 4 week crossover period and were randomized to receive basal insulin glargine via a SoloSTAR pen device or a vial and syringe for 2 weeks, and then switched to the other delivery device for the second 2 weeks. Preference for insulin delivery method among patients was obtained through an Insulin Injection Preference Questionnaire, which uses a 5 point scoring scale (1 = not preferred, 5 = preferred). A similar questionnaire was given to 135 health care professionals to complete. The results of the questionnaire showed that 85.3% of patients gave a score of 5 to the insulin pen compared to 7.5% of patients giving the vial and syringe a 5 score. In the health care professional questionnaire, 85.2% gave the highest score for the pen delivery method compared to 3% for the vial and syringe.

 

In conclusion, insulin pens are preferred by both patients and health care professionals. They seem to find the pens easier to handle and more accurate in insulin dosage delivery. Patients also find insulin pens easier to use in public. This study supports previous studies conducted that demonstrated patients’ preferences of insulin pens over vial and syringe, which cite improved adherence, lower instances of hypoglycemia, and comparable clinical efficacy as reasons to use the insulin pen.