Hypodermoclysis - A victim of historical prejudice

Abstract

Hypodermoclysis (HDC) had fallen into disrepute after adverse clinical incidents that were obviously the result of improper use of an ingenious technique. HDC has clear advantages over alternative parenteral routes. It has stood the rigour of scientific scrutiny but failed to regain its past glory. This is possibly because of our ignorance and inability to detach ourselves from an age-old prejudice. This is an attempt to demystify some of the myths that surround it. The hope is that older people are not denied an element of health care that they are perhaps most well suited to. © The Author 2005. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Geriatrics Society.