Nursing practices of pediatric allergy educators for children undergoing the oral food challenge

Abstract

 This study aimed to clarify the nursing practices of nurses certified as Pediatric Allergy Educators (PAEs) for children undergoing the oral food challenge (OFC) and their parents. Focus group interviews were conducted with nurses certified as PAEs, and the interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis, revealing three categories of PAEs’ practice. The first consisted of [support for smooth, challenging food], and they were〈advance support〉and〈support encourage children to eat〉. The second’ category was [Early detection of symptoms and precise response], and it consisted of〈Advance assessment〉, 〈Symptom observation and assessment〉, 〈Attitude during observation and assessment〉, and〈Treatments to ensure safety when symptoms are detected〉. The third category was [Support using OFC time], consisting of〈Support for daily life〉, 〈Education for anaphylaxis〉, and〈Support for facing food allergy care positively〉.