A SHOT TO LIVE: ANAPHYLAXIS CURRICULUM ENHANCES EFFICACY OF EPINEPHRINE ADMINISTRATION FOR UNASSIGNED ADMINISTRATORS

• Published in: Annals of allergy, asthma, & immunology Vol. 131; no. 5; p. S67
• Main Authors: Nicolas, L., Murray, C., Beheshti, R., Stone, S., Cusack, B., Jhaveri, P., Weston, T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.11.2023
• ISSN: 1081-1206; 1534-4436
• DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2023.08.202

Often, anaphylactic reactions occur in the school setting, making early recognition and timely treatment crucial. We developed an in-person training module which aims to help Pennsylvania school staff identify at risk children, manage, and treat anaphylaxis. A newly developed in-person simulation focused on recognition of signs/symptoms of anaphylaxis, review of anaphylaxis/food allergy action plans, and demonstration of epinephrine autoinjector administration. An anonymous pre/post survey (10-item survey) was administered to participants (n = 98). Prior to the integration of anaphylaxis training, 37/98 (38%) of participants were comfortable recognizing general signs/symptoms of anaphylaxis. 17/98 (17%) correctly differentiated anaphylaxis from non-anaphylaxis food reactions. 25/98 (26%) were comfortable with administering epinephrine autoinjector, and 43/98 (43%) had correctly identified the 4 essential steps of epinephrine administration. Following the implementation of our training session, follow up surveys revealed substantial improvement in anaphylaxis assessment scores. 96/98 (98%) of participants were comfortable recognizing signs/symptoms of anaphylaxis, 94/98 (96%) correctly differentiated anaphylaxis from non-anaphylaxis food reactions, 90/98 (92%) were comfortable with administering epinephrine, and 96/98 (98%) correctly identified the 4 essential steps of epinephrine administration. Provision of in-person training for school staff increases comfort and effectiveness of anaphylaxis recognition and management.