Increasing Knowledge about Food Allergy Management in the Preschool Setting.

Increasing Knowledge about Food Allergy Management in the Preschool Setting by Katherine Mizell Crow MSN, Arkansas Tech University, 2015 BSN, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, 2012 Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Walden University May 2018 Abstract The prevalence of food allergies is a growing concern in the United States. Approximately 8% of the pediatric population has some form of food allergy. Many of these children are either in the preschool and primary school setting, which is where the majority of allergic reactions occur. If the symptoms of a food allergy reaction are not treated within minutes of exposure, the results can be damaging or fatal. Evidence continues to demonstrate that preschool and school personnel do not feel trained or prepared should a severe reaction arise. The purpose of this evidence-based project was to determine if the implementation and instruction of food allergy guidelines and an educational in-service program on the treatment of food allergies would increase the knowledge and ability of preschool personnel to respond should a reaction occur. The adult learning theory of Knowles and Bandura's theory of self-efficacy were the theoretical frameworks for this project. This project incorporated a 40-minute educational in-service along with the introduction of food allergy guidelines including an emergency action plan and epinephrine auto-injector training. A pretest and posttest were administered prior to and following the educational in-service, respectively. A paired sample t test revealed there was a dramatic increase in knowledge following the educational in-service about food allergy management, recognition, and treatment. Preschool personnel felt more empowered to react should a food allergy reaction occur. By teaching preschool-personnel about food allergies, they will have the necessary resources that will support the creation of a safer environment for children challenged with food allergies.The prevalence of food allergies is a growing concern in the United States. Approximately 8% of the pediatric population has some form of food allergy. Many of these children are either in the preschool and primary school setting, which is where the majority of allergic reactions occur. If the symptoms of a food allergy reaction are not treated within minutes of exposure, the results can be damaging or fatal. Evidence continues to demonstrate that preschool and school personnel do not feel trained or prepared should a severe reaction arise. The purpose of this evidence-based project was to determine if the implementation and instruction of food allergy guidelines and an educational in-service program on the treatment of food allergies would increase the knowledge and ability of preschool personnel to respond should a reaction occur. The adult learning theory of Knowles and Bandura's theory of self-efficacy were the theoretical frameworks for this project. This project incorporated a 40-minute educational in-service along with the introduction of food allergy guidelines including an emergency action plan and epinephrine auto-injector training. A pretest and posttest were administered prior to and following the educational in-service, respectively. A paired sample t test revealed there was a dramatic increase in knowledge following the educational in-service about food allergy management, recognition, and treatment. Preschool personnel felt more empowered to react should a food allergy reaction occur. By teaching preschool-personnel about food allergies, they will have the necessary resources that will support the creation of a safer environment for children challenged with food allergies. Increasing Knowledge about Food Allergy Management in the Preschool Setting by Katherine Mizell Crow MSN, Arkansas Tech University, 2015 BSN, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, 2011 Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Walden University May 2018 Dedication I dedicate this project to my two precious children, Tucker and Blakely. Tucker, your bravery, confidence, and pure enjoyment of life surprise me every day. You bring so much happiness and laughter to my life. Through the journey of your diagnosis with food allergies, I have been able to develop a deeper knowledge about food allergies and create a plan so that no child is at risk should an allergic reaction occur. God knew exactly what He was doing when He made me your mommy. Thank you for being so patient with me during my times of stress and intense focus. I love you so much Tucker boy! Blakely, my precious little girl in Heaven. Because of you and your precious short life here on this earth, you have instilled in me a deeper level of strength, survival, and love than I could have ever imagined. Because of that, I have been able to accomplish one of my greatest achievements. Oh how I can't wait to hold you in my arms again one day. You will always be my little sweet pea, Blakely!