Overcoming Injection Fear: How to Self-Administer Anticoagulant Injections After Surgery
Practical steps for patients, carers and clinicians to reduce needle anxiety and improve adherence to post-operative anticoagulant injections such as Clexane or Heparin.
Why Anticoagulant Injections Are Prescribed After Surgery
After surgery, the risk of developing blood clots increases—especially if mobility is reduced. To prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), many patients are prescribed post-operative anticoagulant injections such as Clexane or Heparin. These injections are critical to recovery and often must be continued at home following discharge.
Why Do Some People Refuse or Skip Anticoagulant Injections?
Even when patients understand the importance of anticoagulant therapy, injections may be delayed or skipped for several reasons, including:
- Fear of needles (needle phobia)
- Fear of pain
- Previous negative experiences with injections
- Anxiety about self-injection
- Lack of understanding about the medication’s purpose
- Inadequate education prior to discharge
- Limited support at home
- Local site discomfort or bruising
Simple Strategies to Reduce Fear and Pain
1. Provide Clear Education Before Discharge
Nursing staff or pharmacists should provide concise, hands-on education that covers the reason for the medication, risks of missed doses, and a written schedule with step-by-step instructions for self-injection.
2. Offer Hands-On Injection Training
Practical demonstration and supervised practice help build confidence. Cover how to prepare (if required), choose a safe injection site, perfect technique, and dispose of sharps safely. A supervised trial injection significantly reduces anxiety for many patients.
3. Use Pre-Filled Syringes or Auto-Injectors
When available, pre-filled syringes and auto-injectors reduce steps, handling and user error — lowering stress for patients and carers.
4. Reduce Pain at the Injection Site with NeedleCalm™
NeedleCalm™ is a simple, reusable comfort aid that reduces pain and distress during injections by applying gentle, controlled stimulation to the skin. This helps interrupt pain signals and calm the body’s stress response — making injections more tolerable and better tolerated over time.
5. Provide Ongoing Support and Follow-Up
Short follow-up phone calls or nurse check-ins after discharge can answer questions, reassure patients, and identify difficulties early. Timely support improves adherence and outcomes.
Note: Always follow the injection technique and medication advice provided by your treating clinician. NeedleCalm™ is a comfort aid and does not replace clinical instructions or prescribed devices.
Conclusion
Injection fear is common but manageable. With clear education, hands-on training, appropriate devices (pre-filled syringes or auto-injectors), and comfort aids like NeedleCalm™, patients can complete their post-operative anticoagulant schedule safely and confidently.
Fear should never be a barrier to care.
Internal resources: Needle phobia: What it is and how to manage it | Pain-free injection techniques with NeedleCalm™
