Benefit of educational intervention on Autoinjector Technique for caregivers and paediatric patients with food allergies: A literature review

Abstract

Background and objective: The incidence of food allergy among children is on the rise. Children who are diagnosed with a food allergy receive long-term treatment for allergy management from allergy specialists, nurses and dieticians. This management may include the prescription of an adrenaline autoinjector (AAI) if the child is at risk of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Therefore, it is important that parents of children with allergies are trained in the recognition of anaphylaxis and in the correct administration of an AAI. However, many parents are unable to correctly administer an AAI when assessed. The aim of this study is to review the current literature on caregiver’s and paediatric patients’ ability to use an AAI. Methodology: An electronic search to evaluate AAI technique in caregivers and children with food allergy was conducted. A total of 323 articles were screened in which 10 studies were reviewed. Results: Seventy-eight percent of parents who had never been trained in the use of an AAI were unable to trigger it. In studies where paediatric patients’ ability to use an AAI was assessed, a mean score of 7.78/9 was derived for AAI knowledge among adolescents. Conclusion: Caregivers and patient’s ability to use an AAI was inconclusive, and further research should address the validation of an assessment tool for AAI use. A significant improvement in AAI use was found after an educational intervention. This highlights the need for improved education for allergic individuals and their caregivers, and further study should explore what are the best educational methods to meet these needs.