Summary
A systematic review of laws in Ireland and the UK relating to the use of epipens in schools and public places for children with allergic reactions.
Background
There are many children in schools with allergies who are prescribed epipens. Teachers may not be medically trained to recognised anaphylaxis or administer an epipen. This may lead to a fear to administer adrenaline. A delay or failure to administer may lead to child death. This places greater responsibility on teachers.
Aims and Objectives
Aims
1) assess and evaluate the laws in Ireland (SI No 449 of 2015) – Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2015 and the UK
2) ascertain the number of studetns in primary and secondary schools who are prescribed an epipen
4) conduct a detailed, ethically approved, questionnaire of teachers in primary and secondary school clarifying training standards, concerns with students in class, concerns administering adrenaline, school procedures for medical emergencies and seek to develop a legislative roadmap for widening the course of training for teachers, addressing their needs and concerns and promoting a safer school environment for children diagnosed with anaphylaxis
Objective
1) Conduct a detailed evaluative assessment of the laws in Ireland and the UK surrounding the prescribing, storing and use of adrenaline in public places (ie schools)
2) Have a firm understanding of the level of students presently prescribed epipens
3) Understand the level of training presently offered to teachers who are in loco parentis of students with allergic issues
4) Understand the concerns of teachers with respect to having students with complex medical needs in their classroom
5) Understand concerns with administering adrenaline
6) Create a unified school policy for medical emergencies
7) Create a legislate roadmap for specific training for teachers administering adrenlaine in public