Camp Leadership Perspectives on Food Allergy-Related Anaphylaxis Events and Training for Camp Staff: A National Survey of Summer Camps.

Abstract

Training of camp staff to recognize and treat anaphylaxis is recommended because food allergies are prevalent among summer campers. The frequency of food allergy anaphylaxis events and the extent of anaphylaxis training for camp staff are unknown. To estimate the frequency of food-allergic reactions in camps across the United States and to assess the state of food allergy anaphylaxis training for camp staff. We partnered with CampDoc.com to send a 20-question survey in February 2016 to camp leadership representing 528 camps. Questions addressed demographic characteristics, food allergy policies, training, medication availability, anaphylaxis events, and confidence in staff to recognize and treat anaphylaxis. A total of 559 responses were received, representing 258 camps. The majority surveyed (n = 529 [94.6%]) reported food-allergic children attending their camps. Only 47.6% (n = 266) respondents reported requiring individualized emergency action plans as required for camper attendance. Anaphylaxis treated with epinephrine was reported by 24% (n = 134) of leadership within the previous 2 years at their camp. These respondents were more likely to have a training session for staff (odds ratio, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.4-4.3). A total of 63.3% (n = 354) reported training session presence. However, 15.6% (n = 87) of leadership were unsatisfied with training materials and one-third were not confident in staff to manage anaphylaxis. Appropriate policies to manage food anaphylaxis events and anaphylaxis management training were missing in a substantial proportion of camps. Camp-tailored food allergy training is needed given the number of camps reporting food allergy reactions requiring epinephrine.