Action Plans for Anaphylaxis and Allergic Reactions Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

ASCIA PC Action Plan FAQ 2023191.54 KB

This document has been developed by ASCIA, the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand. ASCIA information is based on published literature and expert review, is not influenced by commercial organisations and is not intended to replace medical advice. For patient or carer support contact Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia or Allergy New Zealand.

Q 1: What types of ASCIA Action Plans are there?

There are three types of ASCIA Action Plans for anaphylaxis and allergic reactions, which are available open access at www.allergy.org.au/hp/anaphylaxis/ascia-action-plan-for-anaphylaxisis:

• ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis (RED) for children or adults with medically confirmed allergies, who have been prescribed adrenaline (epinephrine) injector devices (EpiPen^®  or Anapen^®). Both devices are available on the PBS in Australia. EpiPen^® is also available in New Zealand (Pharmac listed since 1 February 2023). 
• ASCIA Action Plan for Drug (Medication) Allergy (DARK GREEN) for children or adults with medically confirmed drug (medication) allergies, who have not been prescribed adrenaline injectors.
• ASCIA Action Plan for Allergic Reactions (GREEN) is for children or adults with medically confirmed food or insect allergies, who have not been prescribed adrenaline injectors. 

These plans include text fields to type in personal details, tick boxes and an area for photo identification.  To save ASCIA Action Plans with personal details typed into the text fields, the document needs to be saved as a new file name (e.g. including the patient name) and then the completed document can be printed.

Q 2: Can the older versions (prior to 2023) ASCIA Action Plans still be used?

Current ASCIA Action Plans are the 2023 versions. ASCIA Action Plans do not expire, and the recommended review date is a guide for patients to see their doctor or nurse practitioner. The 2021 and 2022 versions of ASCIA Action Plans versions can still be used in 2023, but older versions (prior to 2021) should be replaced.

Q 3: How have the 2023 ASCIA Action Plans changed from the previous 2021 and 2022 versions?

ASCIA has developed new 2023 versions of ASCIA Action Plans for Anaphylaxis, to improve ease of use, which will be available from June 2023. This is the first major formatting change in 20 years, since ASCIA Action Plans for Anaphylaxis were first introduced in 2003. The plans can be accessed on the ASCIA website:

• www.allergy.org.au/hp/anaphylaxis/ascia-action-plan-for-anaphylaxis
• www.allergy.org.au/hp/ascia-plans-action-and-treatment

Whilst the signs of, and actions for anaphylaxis are unchanged, other updates have been made to improve ease of use:

1. Patient specific details are all completed in the top section.* 
2. Signs of, and actions for mild to moderate allergic reactions are in two easy to follow lists. 
3. Instructions for adrenaline injectors are colour coded.
4. Instructions for both adrenaline injectors are included in the General version of the plan.
5. Device specific versions of the plan for Anapen^® and EpiPen^® include changes 1-3 listed above and a QR code which links to short animated videos with adrenaline injector instructions.

* This formatting may also facilitate use with some EMR systems, subject to approval by ASCIA.  

The format of the following plans have also been updated to be consistent with the 2023 versions of the red ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis:

• ASCIA Action Plan for Allergic Reactions (green)
• ASCIA Action Plan for Drug (Medication) Allergy (dark green)
• ASCIA First Aid Plan for Anaphylaxis (orange)

Q 4:  Can schools or parents complete an ASCIA Action Plan for their students or children? 

No.  ASCIA Action Plans have been developed as medical documents and must be completed, signed and dated by the patient's doctor or nurse practitioner. If copies are required the original signed copy should be photocopied or scanned. 

Q 5:  Is it possible to obtain an electronic copy of the ASCIA Action Plans so that the child's information can be inserted by parents, school staff or children's education/care (CEC) staff?

No.  ASCIA Action Plans have been developed in a PDF format to ensure the documents are concise, consistent and easily understood.  They now have fields that can be directly typed into by the treating doctor or nurse practitioner, but not by parents,  school or CEC staff, as they are medical documents.  

Q 6:  How often does an ASCIA Action Plan need to be updated? 

ASCIA Action Plans should be reviewed when patients are reassessed by their doctor or nurse practitioner, and each time they obtain a new adrenaline injector prescription, which is approximately every 12 to 18 months. If the patient is a child the photo should be updated. If there are no changes in diagnosis or management, the medical information on the ASCIA Action Plan may not need to be updated. 

The ASCIA Action Plan includes a recommended review date, which should coincide with the next scheduled appointment with a doctor or nurse practitioner to obtain a new adrenaline injector prescription (approximately every 12 to 18 months).

Q 7:  ASCIA Action Plans are copyrighted. Can they still be printed and/or copied? 

Yes.  ASCIA Action Plans can be printed off the website or photocopied without infringement of the copyright. It is preferable to print or copy them in colour, where possible.  

Q 8:  What is the purpose of ASCIA Action Plans for Anaphylaxis?

ASCIA Action Plans for Anaphylaxis provide instructions for first aid treatment of anaphylaxis, to be delivered by people without any special medical training or equipment, apart from access to an adrenaline autoinjector. All patients who have been prescribed an adrenaline injector should also be provided with an ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis (RED).   

Q 9:  Is abdominal pain and/or vomiting a symptom of anaphylaxis due to insect allergy?

Yes. If someone experiences abdominal pain and/or vomiting to a food or drug (medication), this is considered a mild to moderate symptom. However, if someone experiences abdominal pain and/or vomiting after being stung or bitten by an insect, this is a symptom of anaphylaxis and the adrenaline autoinjector should be given. It is important to watch for other signs and symptoms.

As stated on the ASCIA Action Plans, if in doubt as to whether the child or adult is experiencing anaphylaxis, give the adrenaline autoinjector and call an ambulance.

Q 10: Why do the ASCIA Action Plans state that CPR should only be given AFTER giving adrenaline?

Adrenaline is life-saving and must be used promptly. Withholding or delaying the giving of adrenaline can result in deterioration and potentially death of the patient. This is why giving the adrenaline autoinjector is a priority on ASCIA Action Plans for Anaphylaxis, to prevent delays. If CPR is given before this step there is a possibility that adrenaline is delayed or not given. Oxygen is not mentioned on ASCIA Action Plans as it will usually be given to the patient by ambulance staff.    

Q 11: Who should have a green ASCIA Action Plan?

• The green ASCIA Action Plan for Allergic Reactions has been developed for children or adults with a confirmed allergy to foods or insects, who have not been prescribed an adrenaline injector, as they are considered to be at low risk of anaphylaxis.
• The dark green ASCIA Action Plan for drug (medication) allergy has been developed for children or adults with a confirmed allergy to drugs (medications). Adrenaline injectors are not usually prescribed for people with a drug allergy.
• Allergies to foods, insects or drugs have the potential to result in anaphylaxis, and the green ASCIA Action Plans provide guidance on how to manage anaphylaxis if it occurs. 

Q 12: Should a person with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) have an ASCIA Action Plan for Allergic Reactions completed by their doctor or nurse practitioner?

• No. ASCIA Action Plans are not required for people with allergy to environmental inhalant allergens such as grass pollen, dust mite, or mould, resulting in allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
• Whilst allergic rhinitis can cause uncomfortable symptoms, they are not potentially life-threatening allergic reactions and hence an ASCIA Action Plan is not required. However, if the allergic rhinitis affects an individual's asthma, their Asthma Action Plan should be followed.
• People with allergic rhinitis can be given an ASCIA Treatment Plan for Allergic Rhinitis for personal/home use. This plan can be completed by a doctor, nurse practitioner or pharmacist, and is meant for the person or the parent, not for schools. Most schools do not play a role in the treatment and management of allergic rhinitis. However, when medication administration is required at school, parents should liaise with the school.

Q 13: Can an organisation obtain an adrenaline injector for general use which is not prescribed for a person, and do they require an Action Plan for Anaphylaxis?

Yes. Adrenaline autoinjectors for general use can be purchased without a prescription at full price from pharmacies. The ASCIA First Aid Plan for Anaphylaxis (ORANGE) has been developed for use as a poster, or as an instruction guide to include with an adrenaline autoinjector for general use. More information is available at www.allergy.org.au/hp/anaphylaxis/adrenaline-autoinjectors-for-general-use

Q 14: What happens if confirmed allergens listed do not fit on the ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis?

ASCIA Action Plans for Anaphylaxis are medical documents that can be completed online by the treating doctor or nurse practitioner, by typing patient details into the text fields, then saving this as a PDF before printing a copy:

• There is enough space allowed under “confirmed allergens” to type up to 20 allergens.
• If the treating doctor or nurse practitioner is not using an online version and is handwriting the allergens, then space is more limited, and they should either change to completing an online version or attach a typed list of confirmed allergens.

Note:

• Parents or school/CEC staff should not be completing ASCIA Action Plans themselves.
• Allergens that cause hay fever (allergic rhinitis) such as pollen (from grasses, trees or weeds), moulds or animals, should not be listed on the ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis.

© ASCIA 2023

Content updated June 2023

For more information go to www.allergy.org.au/anaphylaxis

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