This thesis is dedicated to the topic of the nerve agents with special emphasis on antidotal treatment utilizing application of the auto-injectors. Two methods were used ? literature research and quantitative research. Since this topic covers plenty of information as regards chemical warfare agents and in particular nerve agents these issues were addressed in the theoretical part of the thesis. In the chapter on current status based on literature resources a summary of evolution of the auto-injector is presented; from firsts notes until the situation today. Practical part of the thesis is concentrated on University of Southern Bohemia in ČeskéBudějovice, Faculty of Health and Social Studies students' knowledge in the area of nerve agents. The results of the research were acquired by the method of quantitative research ? questionnaires with 18 questions. With respect to each of the questions a selection of the 2 to 7 answers was offered to the students, whereas in every case only 1 answer was correct. The results were analyzed both with reference to each of the questions and with reference to each of the students. By this method it has been discovered that the respondents have a good knowledge in the area of nerve agents. Furthermore, the practical part of the thesis included an experiment concerning speed with which the respondents were able to apply antidotum with a training auto-injector by themselves with no prior instructions in comparison to how quickly they were able to do the same after being instructed. By this method were tested the quality of the instructions provided to the auto-injectors and its ergonomic qualities (intuitiveness of its application). Recorded times were statistically analyzed and the results, although materially different, were assessed as satisfactory.

Detta examensarbete är utfört på uppdrag av företaget SHL Group AB, som producerar injektorer för patienter med kroniska sjukdomar. Injektorerna är anpassade för att patienten själv ska hantera dem i hemmet. Läkemedel som tas fram idag blir allt mer komplexa vilket kan leda till större volymer och längre injektionstider. Syftet med detta examensarbete var att ta fram ett injektionskoncept anpassat för större volymer samt hanterbar för reumatiker vid långa injektionstider. Fokus på projektet har legat kring användarstudier och den kreativa processen. För att ta reda på vilka behov som produkten behöver tillgodose har intervjuer och enkätundersökningar genomförts med reumatiker. Idéprocessen utfördes med hjälp av flera olika kreativa verktyg så som persona, Kanomodellen, House of Quality och brainstorming. Med hjälp av dessa verktyg togs fyra olika koncept fram och arbetet resulterade i en injektorhållare som under injektionen spänns fast på kroppen. / This is a thesis project carried out on behalf of the company SHL Group AB, which produces injectors for patients with chronic diseases. The injectors are adapted to the patient's own handling of them at home. Drugs that are being developed today are becoming more complex, leading to larger volumes and longer injection times. The purpose of this degree project is to develop a concept that is adapted to larger volumes and manageable for rheumatics at long injection times. The focus of the project has been user studies and the creative process. In order to find out which needs the product has to meet, interviews and questionnaires with rheumatics have been conducted. The idea process was performed using several creative tools such as persona, The Kano Model, House of Quality and brainstorming. Using these tools, four different concepts were developed and the work resulted in an injector holder that is fastened onto the body during injection.