Subcutaneous injections: A cross-sectional study of knowledge and practice preferences of nurses

Abstract

Background Widespread use of subcutaneous injection for parenteral medications is likely to be related to high medication bioavailability and rapid onset of action. Correct subcutaneous injection technique and site selection are essential for nursing care quality and patient safety. Aim The study aimed to determine nurses’ knowledge and practice preferences regarding subcutaneous injection technique and administration site selection. Design This cross-sectional study took place between March and June 2021. Methods This study included 289 nurses, willing to participate who worked in units performing subcutaneous injections in a university hospital in Turkey. Results Most nurses reported their preferred administration site for subcutaneous injections was the lateral aspects of the upper arm. More than half of the nurses did not use a rotation chart, they swabbed the skin before a subcutaneous injection, and they always pinched the skin at the injection site; 50% of nurses reported always administering subcutaneous injections at an angle of either 90 or 45 degrees. Most nurses performed an injection in less than 30 s and waited for 10 s before withdrawing the needle. They did not apply massage onto the site following the injection. Nurses’ knowledge of subcutaneous injection was at a moderate level. Conclusions Nurse knowledge of best practice subcutaneous injection administration and site selection could be improved in line with current evidence to improve personcentred and quality and safe care delivery. Future research should involve developing and evaluating educational strategies and practice standards to enhance nurse understanding of best practice evidence to meet patient safety goals.