Survey of Ambulance Services – how ambulance services administer adrenaline, what we found out
The Anaphylaxis Campaign contacted Ambulance Services throughout the UK and asked them 3 key questions about how their staff administer adrenaline:
1. Do you carry adrenaline and in what form?
2. What types of pre-hospital emergency medical personnel are allowed to administer adrenaline and in what form?
3. Are pre–hospital medical personnel allowed to assist with a patient’s own prescribed adrenaline?
Read the responses from the Ambulance Services
The Anaphylaxis Campaign Patient Survey 2010 - what you told us
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At the end of 2010 The Anaphylaxis Campaign conducted an online survey, sponsored by ALK Abelló. The Survey asked patients (or their carers on their behalf) to fill in a short questionnaire relating to their experiences of living with allergy and the treatment they have received (including their diagnosis and the medication which they have been prescribed). The Anaphylaxis Campaign would like to thank the 804 patients and carers, many of whom are members of the Campaign, for taking the time to complete the Patient Survey. |
Key Findings
The highest number of respondents, (around 180 responses), were aged 11-18, or were carers to this age group filing in the Survey on their behalf. The Anaphylaxis Campaign notes the importance of providing information on managing severe allergy to this age group and is considering ways in which we can provide additional information and support. The Family Workshop programme, which The Anaphylaxis Campaign currently runs nationally, is specifically aimed at this age group.
91% of respondents had a food allergy. The focus of services provided by The Anaphylaxis Campaign historically has been on food allergy however our resources increasingly reflect the acknowledgement that there is a need to encompass other allergies, such as those to latex, drugs and insect venom.
40% of respondents were first diagnosed with their allergy between the ages of 2-5 years old, this finding reinforces the need for information and support to be available to parents, relating to the symptoms of allergy and how to get the help they need. Our Parent Workshops and Support Groups aim to go some way to achieving this goal.
With 84% of respondents seeking advice from their GP, as a first port of call, The Anaphylaxis Campaign is evaluating how best to ensure that the right information is available in an easily accessible format via this channel.
The Survey showed that 55% of respondents were satisfied with the length of time it took for them to receive a formal diagnosis of their allergy and that 59% received the amount of information and advice that they needed from their healthcare professional.
At this point The Anaphylaxis Campaign recognises that more work needs to be done to ensure that the 45% of respondents whowere not satisfied with the length of time it took for them to receive a formal diagnosis of their allergy and the 41% who did not receive the right amount of information are better served going forward.
We were encouraged by the figures and comments relating to experiences of interacting with The Anaphylaxis Campaign. Among the top 3 services delivered by the Campaign respondents listed product alerts together with our helpline and the information we provide.
The Anaphylaxis Campaign helpline was the second most popular place to seek advice, after the GP, with 38% of respondents having contacted us this way.
Only 20% of respondents suggested that there are other ways the Campaign could provide support. We are considering suggestions, including how we can distribute more information via hospitals and GP practices and providing additional information to young people. It was suggested that we provide a list of allergy specialists and locations in Anaphylaxis Campaign information. We work closely with the BSACI (British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology) and reference the list of clinics available via their website www.bsaci.org.uk
96% of respondents carry an Adrenaline Auto-Injector (AAI), with 47% having access to 3 devices and only 3% just 1 device.
85% of respondents (the majority being members of The Anaphylaxis Campaign) would feel confident in using their AAI in an emergency situation.
We would encourage those who need more information on the correct administration of an AAI to undertake our AllergyWise online course which you can work your way through in your own time, within the 2-month user licence period.
96% of respondents who have been prescribed an AAI remember to check the expiry date however 53% were not aware of the free expiry alert services which are available. Of the 47% who were aware of these services 60% have yet to sign up. 71% of respondents who have been prescribed an AAI expect a 12 month shelf-life from their AAI prescription.
The Anaphylaxis Campaign plans to undertake future Surveys to see what progress is being made in key areas, where there is a need for improved access to information and services.