Authors: CMurphy1, SYoon1, MAllen1, SHoff1, DSloane1, RBreslow1,S. Cieri1 RGoldstein1. VA Boston Healthcare Network. Boston, MA.
Background: Recent re-structuring of the Boston Veteran’s Administration Allergy program (encompassing the New England Region), including a new method of immunotherapy extract delivery, necessitated a VISN-wide educational program to teach effective allergy evaluation and safe administration of immunotherapy.
Methods: A Site Capacity Assessment/ Educational Venue was designed to educate and train clinical staff to ensure compliance with best practices for immunotherapy administration. Six sites within VA Boston VISN1 were identified for training. Registered Nurses administering immunotherapy participated in an Allergy Nurse Competency Training program consisting of didactic lectures and practicum training. Pre and post-testing exams conducted assessed the short term impact of the program.
Results: Twenty five nurses participated in the training. The average pre-test score (± std error) was 76.1±0.27%. The average post-test score was 93.6±0.27%. Using a two sample t-test, the difference between pre- and post-training mean test score was statistically significant (P<0.00002). Additionally, nurses completing the training report greater competence in the administration of immunotherapy and confidence in managing adverse reactions.
Conclusions: Standardization of didactic and practicum training expands nurses’ comprehension of current practice standards for safe and effective administration of immunotherapy. This educational model now adopted nationally by the Veteran’s Administration Allergy Consortium to facilitate standardization of training, is currently being integrated throughout the United States Veteran’s Administration Allergy sites as a component of the VA Allergy Strategic Plan.