G163(P) Discussing careers in the paediatric allergy clinic: are we having the conversations?

Abstract

We looked after 2 young people with allergy who were unable to pursue their intended careers in the military. These patients raised our awareness that we didn’t routinely discuss career and led us to source useful patient information. Allergy UK produce a useful patient information leaflet on allergies and the Military. Further information is available on Army website, Aim To explore whether career discussion forms part of the consultation with young people in Paediatric Allergy clinics and assess awareness of available career information for young people with allergies. To highlight the relevance of career advice regarding military careers. Methodology Survey in a Regional Allergy Forum – a 9 question SurveyMonkey with 17 responses from Doctors, Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) working in Paediatric allergy, and 1 CNS in adult allergy. Results 45% of survey participants were aware of specific careers which exclude children with allergies, 25% were aware that some careers excluded children with allergies, with 30% of responses unaware. 53% sometimes discussed potential problems with future careers in clinic, 23% replied that they always did and 23% didn’t. There was a mixed picture regarding where the responsibility to discuss future careers lay with regards to allergy. 40% of respondents felt the responsibility did lie with the health professional, 28% in conjunction with school and care givers and 18% felt the role was outside the health care professional remit, and 10% only when specifically asked. Conclusion We concluded that there is good awareness that children with allergies meet exemptions in some careers and a positive sense that it is within the remit of the health Professional in allergy to explore career choice with patients, in conjunction with family and school. The survey demonstrates to us that an increase in career discussion is required with increased awareness of the availability of relevant leaflets about exclusions within the Military, to further enhance our support for our young people as they move through and transition from the Allergy Clinic into the world of work.