Using Smartphones for Video-Based Education About Anaphylaxis for Family Caregivers

Background: Approximately 5%-8% of U.S. children have experienced an anaphylactic reaction. Studies assessing parent knowledge regarding the usage of epinephrine autoinjectors found that over two-thirds of parents could not correctly use autoinjectors. Family caregivers need education about triggers, prevention, symptom recognition, and plans of action for anaphylactic reactions. Objective: The overarching goal of this quality improvement project is to improve family caregiver management of food allergies in pediatric patients. Methods: The evidence-based, practice improvement project involved the development of a 5 ½-minute video with an allergy action plan that could be accessed via quick response code as an educational material provided to caregivers. A pre-post survey design was used to evaluate caregiver knowledge and satisfaction with the video-based educational program. Results: Outcomes showed that caregiver knowledge significantly increased (p = .007). All caregivers (N = 10; 100%) indicated high satisfaction with the education. Conclusions: The use of video-based education with an allergy action plan is a practical and sustainable way to bridge the gap of inadequate caregiver education. Leveraging the use of caregivers' smartphones to access video-based educational resources is a model that could be applied to various diseases and treatment regimens. Implications for Nursing: Nurses often struggle with time constraints to provide thorough patient education. This method may be a more efficient and effective way for nursing to provide supplemental patient education.