Anaphylaxis and Epinephrine Auto-Injector use: A Survey of Pediatric Trainees
Background: Pediatric trainees in many instances are the first medical responders and at the frontline managing children at risk for anaphylaxis in the hospital and at community level. Their fundamental knowledge is crucial in anaphylaxis. This study aimed to assess pediatric trainees’ knowledge in acute management of anaphylaxis and looked at knowledge gaps between the different trainees’ levels. Method: This study was a two-phase cross-sectional surveybased study of 94 pediatrics trainees in phase one and 84 in phase two at the only tertiary hospital in Doha, Qatar. The primary outcome was trainees’ knowledge related to anaphylaxis management and Epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen®) use. Results: 44 (46%) trainees claimed they had not received training about how to treat anaphylaxis. There was a discrepancy between claimed knowledge of how to treat anaphylaxis 86 (90%) and actual knowledge as none of the trainees’ level answered all the questions correctly. Moreover 41 (49%) were unaware that EpiPen® should be administered IM in the lateral part of the thigh and 24 (28%) did not know it should be used in case of anaphylaxis.
