Anaphylaxis, the most severe form of allergic reaction, occurs when our immune system reacts to an allergen or allergy trigger. It must be treated as a medical emergency, as it can be life threatening. Our resources identify actions that people can take to stay safe after experiencing anaphylaxis.
The standard has been endorsed by a number of key health organisations. The development of the standard was guided by an expert Topic Working Group.
A set of indicators have been developed to support monitoring of the care recommended in the Acute Anaphylaxis Clinical Care Standard. Clinicians and health service organisations can use the indicators to support local quality improvement activities.
Before a patient leaves a healthcare facility after having anaphylaxis, they are advised about the suspected allergen, allergen avoidance strategies and post-discharge care. The discharge care plan is tailored to the allergen and includes details of the suspected allergen, the appropriate ASCIA Action Plan, and the need for prompt follow-up with a general practitioner and clinical immunology/allergy specialist review. Where there is a risk of re-exposure, the patient is prescribed a personal adrenaline injector and is trained in its use. Details of the allergen, the anaphylactic reaction and discharge care arrangements are documented in the patient’s healthcare record.
A patient treated for anaphylaxis remains under clinical observation for at least four hours after their last dose of adrenaline, or overnight as appropriate according to the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy Acute Management of Anaphylaxis guidelines. Observation timeframes are determined based on assessment and risk appraisal after initial treatment.
A patient who has an adrenaline injector has access to it for self-administration during all healthcare encounters. This includes patients keeping their adrenaline injector safely at their bedside during a hospital admission.
A patient experiencing anaphylaxis is laid flat, or allowed to sit with legs extended if breathing is difficult. An infant is held or laid horizontally. The patient is not allowed to stand or walk during, or immediately, after the event until they are assessed as safe to do so, even if they appear to have recovered.
A patient with anaphylaxis, or suspected anaphylaxis, is administered adrenaline intramuscularly without delay, before any other treatment including asthma medicines. Corticosteroids and antihistamines are not first-line treatments for anaphylaxis.
A patient with acute-onset clinical deterioration with signs or symptoms of an allergic response is rapidly assessed for anaphylaxis, especially in the presence of an allergic trigger or a history of allergy.
The Acute Anaphylaxis Clinical Care Standard contains six quality statements describing the key components of care to improve the recognition of anaphylaxis, and the provision of appropriate treatment and follow-up care.
Information for health service organisations to guide practice and monitor improvement using the clinical care standard, and resources to support implementation.
Guidance for clinicians on the six evidence-based quality statements from the clinical care standard, as well as helpful resources.
This clinical care standard aims to improve the recognition of anaphylaxis, and the provision of appropriate treatment and follow-up care.
A clinical care standard is a small number of quality statements that describe the care patients should be offered by health professionals and health services for a specific clinical condition or defined clinical pathway in line with current best evidence.