P70: SPECIALIST RECOMMENDATION OF MEDICAL ALERT DEVICES FOR THE COMMUNICATION OF DRUG, FOOD AND VENOM ALLERGY

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

Medical alert devices are commonly used to declare drug, food and venom allergy because they provide information in emergency situations in a readily available form, not dependent on access to medical records. However, there are currently no guidelines as to the indications for medical alert devices in allergy, the optimal terminology, or the requirement for medical validation. We conducted an email survey of ASCIA members with the aim of determining allergy specialist opinion regarding the indications and recommendations for medical alert devices. We obtained 60 responses from immunologist/allergists (53.3%), immunology/allergy nurses (23.3%), immunology/allergy trainees (5.0%) and other doctors with an interest in immunology/allergy (18.3%). Of these, 41.7% worked mainly with children, 33.3% with adults and 25% with both. Those working with adults were more likely to recommend devices more than once per month compared to those working with children (85.0% vs 52.0%). Most (71.4%) recommended medical alert devices for patients with drug allergy often or routinely, compared to 45.6% for venom allergy and 34.5% for food allergy. A history of anaphylaxis was considered the most important indication for a device for all categories of allergy (drug (88.3%), food (68.3%), venom (75%)). The majority of doctors (76.1%) considered drug-induced severe cutaneous adverse reaction (SCAR) to be an indication for a device. Those working with adults were more likely to consider food anaphylaxis an indication for a device, compared to those working with children (90.0% vs 64.0%). 86.7% of respondents agreed that allergy information should be medically validated. Medical alert devices are commonly recommended by allergy professionals. The devices may be of highest value in those with a history of anaphylaxis or SCAR. We propose there should be guidelines regarding the indications and terminology for use in allergy, and that this information be medically validated.