Abstract

Intramuscular (IM) injections are a common procedure in primary and community nursing care, widely recognised as a core nursing competency and performed by numerous community-based nurses as part of their everyday clinical practice. Serious complications after intramuscular injections are rare but possible, including local reactions and infection. It is unclear whether cleaning or disinfecting the skin before injection is effective in preventing infections and other complications and guidelines are inconsistent in their recommendations. This commentary evaluates and critically appraises a rapid evidence review which aimed to summarise the evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of skin preparation prior to injection administration.