Oral Presentation ESA-SRB-ANZOS 2025 in conjunction with ENSA

Introduction: Insulin pens come in reusable and disposable forms. The average patient with diabetes uses 75 disposable pens annually. Reusable pens generate less waste and are available in various designs

Objective: This study aimed to identify factors influencing patients’ decision making between reusable and disposable insulin pens, with the goal of improving patient-centred care while promoting environmentally sustainable insulin prescribing.

Methods: Forty-eight inpatients at Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, were recruited and categorised into three groups: insulin-naïve (Group 1), insulin-experienced (Group 2), and those who switched to reusable pens due to the shortage of Ryzodeg FlexTouch pens (Group 3). Participants completed a questionnaire on insulin pen preferences. Preferences were compared with their discharge prescriptions.

Results: Most participants prioritised ease of use (p=0.06), while aesthetics were largely considered unimportant (p=0.18). Environmental sustainability was deemed at least moderately important by the majority (p=0.93), with preferences consistent across age, gender, and diabetes type. Notably, six patients who preferred reusable pens were prescribed disposable ones upon discharge (p<0.01).

Conclusion: Education about pen types influenced some patients to choose reusable pens, citing ease of use and environmental sustainability as key factors. Insulin-naïve patients equally preferred both pen types, highlighting an opportunity to promote environmentally sustainable prescribing practices.