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14 January 2026
Two new research papers show how NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) prescription data is advancing clinical understanding of adrenaline auto-injector (AAI) prescribing patterns and informing evidence-based anaphylaxis management policy.
Non-standard AAI prescribing patterns identified across England
The first study, published in Clinical and Experimental Allergy, was conducted by the NHSBSA Data Science team in partnership with Gateshead Health and Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts. The research examined community-based anaphylaxis treatment, with particular focus on AAI devices that deliver life-saving intramuscular adrenaline during severe allergic reactions.
Analysis of community AAI prescription data revealed that non-standard dosing practices is not uncommon in both paediatric and adult populations across England.
Key findings included:
- between 20.2% and 3.7% of those prescribed a 150μg autoinjector were likely to exceed the weight threshold for this dose depending on the weight centile used.
- using a Resuscitation Council UK guideline of age six years for switching to a 300μg dose increases the estimated proportion prescribed a non-standard AAI dose to 49.1%.
- estimated rates of non-standard AAI prescribing were found to be higher in areas of England with the most deprivation.
Research was carried out on 46,999 patients across two years (December 2022 – 2024) who were prescribed a 150mcg AAI in their latest anaphylaxis prescription.
These findings provide crucial evidence for healthcare providers and policymakers working to standardise anaphylaxis management protocols and enhance patient safety outcomes.
Economic analysis supports school-based emergency AAI provision
The second research paper, published in Archives of Disease in Childhood, conducted by researchers from Imperial College London, examined the economics of emergency AAI provision in educational settings. Utilising NHSBSA prescription data, researchers conducted comparative cost-effectiveness analysis of two approaches:
- patient-specific AAI prescribing for devices to remain on school premises
- universal provision of "spare" AAIs available for any pupil experiencing anaphylaxis
These findings will support Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and healthcare commissioners in developing evidence-based policies to improve emergency access to AAIs, ultimately enhancing safety protocols for children with severe allergies in educational environments.
Transforming data into clinical evidence
Both studies exemplify how the NHSBSA's comprehensive prescription datasets can generate clinically actionable insights through advanced analytics and data science methodologies.
By collaborating with NHS trusts and external research partners, the NHSBSA is transforming administrative data into robust evidence that informs healthcare policy development and drives improvements in patient outcomes.
To read the published papers, visit: NHSBSA data powers groundbreaking allergy research to improve patient safety.
Notes to Editor:
The NHS Business Services Authority is an Arm’s Length Body of the Department of Health and Social Care. We manage over £100 billion of NHS spend annually and are responsible for providing platforms and delivering services that support the priorities of the NHS, Government and local health economies. Our purpose is to deliver business service excellence to the NHS to help people live longer, healthier lives.
For more information about the NHSBSA, please visit www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk.
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