This clinical care standard aims to improve the recognition of anaphylaxis, and the provision of appropriate treatment and follow-up care.
Anaphylaxis is a severe form of allergic reaction that is potentially life-threatening, especially if not treated immediately. It is characterised by a sudden onset; however, the clinical presentation is variable. The diagnosis of anaphylaxis is based on clinical findings and takes the patient’s history and physical examination into consideration.
The Acute Anaphylaxis Clinical Care Standard contains six quality statements and a set of indicators to improve the recognition, treatment and follow-up of anaphylaxis in acute care. The standard will help to ensure that Australians receive prompt treatment to manage severe allergic reactions, and that there is continuity of patient care across healthcare settings.
The Acute Anaphylaxis Clinical Care Standard was launched on 24 November 2021. Watch the launch recording to see experts in paramedicine, emergency medicine, allergy and general practice discuss and explain the new standard.
The Commission has a suite of promotional resources to assist with implementation of the national Acute Anaphylaxis Clinical Care Standard.
The Acute Anaphylaxis Clinical Care Standard contains:
The clinical care standard includes guidance for consumers, clinicians, and health service organisations including information about what each statement means, factsheets and additional resources such as the Anaphylaxis discharge checklist and discussion guide and waiting room poster.
The standard was developed in consultation with a topic working group of clinicians, researchers and consumers. Public consultation on the clinical care standard was carried out between October and December 2020.
The standard is endorsed by a number of key organisations, including the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia (A&AA), and the National Allergy Strategy (NAS).
Key sources that underpin the Acute Anaphylaxis Clinical Care Standard are:
Further information is available on the evidence base which underpins the Acute Anaphylaxis Clinical Care Standard
Over four million Australians live with allergies. Food allergy, for example, occurs in around 10% of infants, 4-8% of children, and 2% of adults in Australia.
While not everyone with an allergy is at risk, recent studies show increasing incidence of all-cause anaphylaxis in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. In Australia, in the five years to 2019-20
Despite well-recognised guidelines, care is not always provided as recommended. In a study in eight Australian emergency departments, 27% of reactions consistent with anaphylaxis were not given adrenaline. Analysis of fatalities recorded by the Australian Bureau of Statistics between 1997-2013 highlighted gaps between guideline recommendations and patient care, such as delayed treatment with adrenaline.
This infographic outlines key data highlights on anaphylaxis in Australia, to support the release of the new standard. You can find more communication resources on our Anaphylaxis Campaign web page.
