Anaphylaxis Campaign, Boots UK partner to support patients with severe allergy

In 2013 a unique new online course was created for Boots UK pharmacists to improve their customer care of patients who have a severe allergy. The training builds on the pharmacists existing knowledge of severe allergies to ensure they have a solid clinical understanding of the condition and the emergency treatment options for a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Treatment for allergic reactions can include anti-histamines and for severe reactions devices called Adrenaline Auto Injectors (AAIs), which the patient will have to carry with them all the time. Currently three different AAIs are available under prescription in the UK; Emerade, EpiPen and Jext. They each operate in a different way, so it is very helpful if the pharmacist can answer any questions the patient may have and can also demonstrate how to use each one correctly.

The course was created by Boots UK in conjunction with the Anaphylaxis Campaign. A significant number of pharmacists have chosen to undertake the training programme to ensure they are able to support their patients.

Lynne Regent, CEO, Anaphylaxis Campaign said; “By developing this course Boots UK is ensuring their pharmacists have up to date, accurate and essential information to help them assist the Allergists and GPs across the country who are caring for the thousands of patients living with severe allergies. The Anaphylaxis Campaign has a heritage of providing first class medical training through our online ‘AllergyWise’ courses. We hope that Boots pharmacists find the training a useful addition to their professional training and this will provide real benefits to patients.”

The development of this training was enabled by a generous grant from healthcare company ALK, the manufacturer of one of the AAIs. Sean Connor, General Manager at ALK, believes regular training is of paramount importance for patients who carry adrenaline auto-injectors. “The pharmacist is ideally placed to offer this vital training and ALK is very happy to support this important initiative for Boots to be able to offer the best possible care for patients at risk of anaphylaxis.”