How this fits in

It is known that individuals with vitamin B12 deficiency (including pernicious anaemia) describe their primary care consultations as ‘battles’ and feel stigmatised. However, the extent of this dissatisfaction with primary care and the effect this might have on patient safety and unsafe health behaviours is unknown. This is the first study to assess the association between patient-reported safety and self-medication via injection and to consider the contributory factors to patient safety that affect this patient group. Understanding any negative effects of current practice and how GPs and primary care clinicians can better meet the needs of this marginalised group is key to improving safety and care.