Anaphylaxis

Quality statement

People who are prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector after emergency treatment for anaphylaxis are given training in how and when to use it before being discharged. [2016]

Rationale

Adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) should be offered to people after emergency treatment for anaphylaxis, as an interim measure before they have a specialist allergy service appointment. It is important to use an AAI as soon as possible if an anaphylactic reaction is suspected. Ensuring that people know when and how to use their specific device, and encouraging them to get familiar with it by practising with a trainer AAI, will help ensure timely and correct use if they have another anaphylactic reaction.

Quality measures

The following measures can be used to assess the quality of care or service provision specified in the statement. They are examples of how the statement can be measured, and can be adapted and used flexibly.

What the quality statement means for different audiences

Service providers (such as emergency departments, and paediatric and adult medical services) ensure that healthcare professionals can provide brand-specific training in how and when to use AAIs for people who are prescribed one after emergency treatment for anaphylaxis. They also ensure that information on using AAIs and lying down flat and raising their legs after using them is available to give to people. Information should include how to get a trainer auto-injector from the manufacturer to practise with.

Healthcare professionals (such as emergency department staff, and members of paediatric and adult medical services) provide brand-specific training for people prescribed an AAI after emergency treatment for anaphylaxis, before they are discharged. They demonstrate correct use and provide an opportunity for the person to practise using a training device. They also give people information about how and when to use it, including lying down flat and raising their legs after using it even if they are feeling better. They encourage the person to practise at home by getting a trainer auto-injector from the manufacturer and remind them that AAIs expire and to check the date when they collect their prescription.

Commissioners ensure that services provide brand-specific training and information on how and when to use AAIs for people who have been prescribed one after emergency treatment for anaphylaxis.

People who are prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI) because they have had emergency treatment for anaphylaxis (a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction) are shown how to use their specific brand of AAI before they go home from hospital. This includes practising using a training injector, being given information that explains how and when they should use it, and to ensure they lie down flat and raise their legs when they have used it, even if they are feeling better. They are also encouraged to get a trainer auto-injector from the manufacturer so they can practise at home.

Source guidance

Anaphylaxis: assessment and referral after emergency treatment. NICE guideline CG134 (2011, updated 2020), recommendation 1.1.11

Definitions of terms used in this quality statement

Equality and diversity considerations

People should be provided with information about using AAIs that they can easily read and understand themselves, or with support, so they can communicate effectively with health and social care services. Information should be in a format that suits their needs and preferences. It should be accessible to people who do not speak or read English, and it should be culturally appropriate and age appropriate. People should have access to an interpreter or advocate if needed.

For people with additional needs related to a disability, impairment or sensory loss, information should be provided as set out in NHS England's Accessible Information Standard or the equivalent standards for the devolved nations.