Anaphylaxis management: a survey of school and day care nurses in Lebanon

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
• Nursing Practice and Education
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Children face significant risks of allergic reactions, particularly in school and daycare settings.
• The absence of standardized management policies for anaphylaxis in Lebanese schools poses risks to children and liability concerns for staff.
• Current practices for managing severe allergies and anaphylaxis by school nurses in Lebanon are largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe current practices in managing severe allergies and anaphylaxis among Lebanese nurses in schools and daycares.
• To explore nurses' perceptions regarding the necessity of a standardized protocol for anaphylaxis management.
• To identify gaps in current anaphylaxis management protocols and training for school nurses.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was employed to gather data from nurses working in schools and daycares across Lebanon.
• The survey assessed the existence of written policies, witnessed anaphylactic events, and management strategies used.
• Data on nurses' beliefs regarding standardized guidelines and training needs were also collected.

Main Results:

• Only 18 out of 59 participating nurses reported having a written policy for managing allergic reactions.
• Most nurses who witnessed anaphylaxis administered oral antihistamines instead of intramuscular epinephrine.
• A significant majority (56 nurses) deemed a standardized anaphylaxis management guideline essential, with 55 highlighting the need for specific training.

Conclusions:

• Anaphylaxis management in Lebanese schools and daycares is currently suboptimal.
• There is a critical need for the development and implementation of standardized nursing guidelines for anaphylaxis.
• Comprehensive training programs for nurses are essential to improve the identification and management of anaphylaxis in educational settings.