ASCIA‐P60: EVIDENCE‐BASED CHANGES TO ASCIA ACTION PLANS AND ANAPHYLAXIS MANAGEMENT: 2016 UPDATE

Abstract

Introduction: Action plans for anaphylaxis need to be simple and clear making them easy to implement in a crisis. Australia and New Zealand, who both use the ASCIA Action Plan are the only countries in the world that have only one action plan for anaphylaxis that is utilised by all medical practitioners. Based on recent publications and coronial inquiry recommendations, the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) has updated the ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis and ASCIA Guidelines for anaphylaxis management. The changes in these documents aim to emphasise areas of management that are critical for reducing fatal anaphylaxis. Method(s): The ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis has recently been updated based on evidence-based best practice, recent coronial inquiry recommendations and extensive feedback from ASCIA membership. To ensure accuracy and consistency of information, ASCIA anaphylaxis management guidelines have also been updated. Changes to ASCIA Action Plans The main changes are: * Key messages have been simplified and highlighted in larger font. * Greater emphasis on the positioning of the patient, using images to reinforce instructions and assist people with limited English. * The adrenaline autoinjector should always be given first, followed by asthma reliever medications if someone with known asthma and allergy to food, insects or medication has sudden breathing difficulty, even if there are no skin symptoms. * For tick allergy, reference to freeze-drying ticks before removal has been included. Conclusion(s): Patient outcomes can be improved by ensuring that acute management of anaphylaxis is consistent with ASCIA Action Plans. In an anaphylaxis emergency, ASCIA Action Plans provide a "how and when to give the adrenaline autoinjector" guide. It is therefore essential that all patients prescribed an adrenaline autoinjector are provided with an ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis that has been completed by a medical practitioner.