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For Immediate Release Contact: Sara Brazeal at at PCI
August 15, 2006
(312) 558-1770
Allergists and Emergency Physicians Launch
Anaphylaxis Education Campaign
to Foster Physician Collaboration and Enhance Management of Life-Threatening Allergic Emergencies
Arlington Heights, Ill. – The nation’s allergists and emergency physicians are teaming up to launch Be S.A.F.E., a campaign to increase awareness of anaphylaxis, an under-recognized and under-treated medical emergency.
Created by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), the campaign focuses on public education and provides health care professionals with resources to improve the ongoing management of severe allergic reactions.
Studies indicate that up to 1,500 people die each year from anaphylaxis related to food, insect stings, drug and latex allergies, with an estimated 3.29 million to 40.9 million people at risk. The campaign highlights the need to follow recommended guidelines, including discharging patients with prescriptions for self-injectable epinephrine and documenting referral to an allergist for re-evaluation and follow-up disease management.
“Even when the initial reaction is mild, there is a possibility that a subsequent reaction will be life-threatening, and self-injectable epinephrine is the standard of care for patients who face this risk,” said allergist Phil Lieberman, M.D., co-chair of the Be S.A.F.E. campaign.
To address the challenges of diagnosing and treating anaphylaxis in the emergency department, an expert panel of allergists and emergency physicians was convened in Chicago in April by ACAAI and ACEP. The panel discussed ways to improve management of anaphylaxis in emergency departments including development of new educational materials for patients and greater collaboration between emergency professionals and allergy specialists.
“Emergency physicians are on the front lines of treating anaphylaxis and are in a unique position to educate patients about the importance of follow-up and disease management to prevent future allergic emergencies,” said emergency physician Wyatt Decker, M.D., co-chair of the Be S.A.F.E. campaign. “To do that effectively, emergency healthcare workers need better tools to assist them in providing treatment and discharge instructions for patients in whom anaphylaxis is suspected.”
In the immediate aftermath of an anaphylactic event, emergency professionals can speed identification of the suspected allergen by talking with patients about substances to which they were exposed before the allergic reaction. Emergency physicians also can direct patients to suggested resources for follow-up.
“After the acute emergency is over, allergists are able to conduct detailed testing, if necessary, to confirm the cause of the allergy,” said Dr. Lieberman. “We also can discuss treatments and lifestyle changes for the patient to manage or avoid allergic reactions, and counsel patients on the appropriate use of self-injectable epinephrine.”
Among the panel’s recommendations was the creation of a quick reference card for emergency physicians. The card provides information about anaphylaxis diagnosis, length of patient observation and suggested physician and patient resources. It also includes the S.A.F.E. system, a mnemonic device with four action steps:
Seek Support – Advise the patient who has had an anaphylactic reaction that there is a risk of subsequent reactions. Direct the patient to call an ambulance and get to the nearest emergency facility at the first sign of another reaction, even if epinephrine has already been administered. Also refer the patient to educational resources on allergies and anaphylaxis.
Allergen Identification and Avoidance – Question the patient regarding recent contact with food or other substances or activities that may have triggered the reaction. Emphasize the importance of testing to confirm what caused the reaction and the need to avoid the allergen or other trigger in the future.
Follow up for Specialty Care – Advise the patient to follow up with his or her primary care physician and ask for a referral to an allergist, or to seek consultation directly with an allergist for testing, diagnosis and ongoing management of the allergy.
Epinephrine for Emergencies – Provide the patient with a self-injectable epinephrine kit and instructions for its use, or with information about how to obtain a kit from another source, such as a primary care physician or allergist. Explain the importance of carrying the kit at all times and making sure that family and friends are aware of the risk of anaphylaxis, the triggers, and how to use epinephrine.
Allergist Clifford W. Bassett, a member of the ACAAI public relations committee and a former emergency physician, said the significance of physician collaboration to help patients understand anaphylaxis cannot be underestimated. “It is important that emergency physicians and allergists work closely together to educate the public about anaphylaxis and other severe allergic reactions and ensure that patients receive appropriate follow up with a specialist,” said Dr. Bassett.
Healthcare professionals can download the quick reference card and find information about the Be S.A.F.E. campaign by visiting the health professionals section of www.acaai.org. Physicians also can download the Be S.A.F.E. consumer education brochure by visiting the patient education section of the ACAAI Web site, and can obtain ordering information from the member or health professionals sections.
The Be S.A.F.E. campaign is supported by an educational grant from Dey, L.P.
About the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
ACAAI is a professional medical organization headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill., that promotes excellence in the practice of the subspecialty of allergy and immunology. The College, comprising more than 5,000 allergists-immunologists and related health care professionals, fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy and research.
About the American College of Emergency Physicians
ACEP is a national medical society with more than 23,000 members who specialize in emergency medicine. ACEP is committed to advancing of emergency care through continuing education, research, and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies.
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For additional ACAAI news, visit the Press Room on the Patient Education section of this Web site.
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