A survey of school’s preparedness for managing anaphylaxis in pupils with food allergy

• DOI: 10.1007/s00431-020-03645-0
• Publication Date: 2020-04-05T12:02:10Z
• Authors: George Raptis; Mercedes Perez-Bo...; Rebecca Totterdell; Konstantinos Gera...; Louise J. Michaelis
• Keywords: Preparedness

Abstract Allergic diseases are on the increase and can affect child’s well-being. The aim of this survey was to assess regional schools’ preparedness in dealing with anaphylaxis following publication national international guidelines for schools 2014. developed 2015 distributed Cumbria, North West England, UK between 2016. Only 47% respondents (95% CI, 39–57%) felt confident manage anaphylaxis. Schools without allergic pupils were significantly less likely have a standard management protocol place emergencies compared those ( p < 0.001). majority indicated that further training needed (81% 74–88%). Conclusion : At time survey, region, did not meet safety standards recommended by organisations. Although shown eagerness accessing anaphylaxis, tailored is yet widely available. There now an urgent need design feasible strategies create safe environment across all schools. What Known: • One quarter severe reactions take first while at school some them being fatal. School staff ill-prepared Access formal New: remains unconfident managing child. Training scarce, when available, it does offer required depth cover holistic needs pupils. would welcome generic adrenaline autoinjectors policy central funding which describe step necessary measures