title: Proceedings of the AMCP Integrated Care Summit: population health and quality improvement in anaphylaxis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction, often caused by food allergies, insect venom, medications, latex, or exercise. The condition is rapid in onset and may cause death. Because of the potential risk of death, it is critical to recognize anaphylaxis quickly and be prepared to treat it appropriately.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To review the current trends and challenges related to anaphylaxis management, treatment, and prevention and explore strategies for how to improve access and awareness for patients who are at high risk for anaphylaxis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen stakeholders gathered on May 22, 2013, in Alexandria, Virginia, for a meeting to discuss population health and quality improvement in anaphylaxis convened by the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy.Summit participants included managed care leaders, nurses, physicians, and organizations that advocate for consumers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Data on the clinical and financial impact of anaphylaxis are limited and are impacted by under diagnoses, underreporting, and miscoding of anaphylaxis. There is a significant need to increase awareness of the symptoms of anaphylaxis and ensure that patients at risk have access to available treatments. Additional education and training for both patients and health care professionals are needed to recognize the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and ensure the appropriate use of epinephrine auto injectors. Managed care companies have a need to better understand how to design and improve health benefits to support patients with anaphylaxis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Summit participants determined that there are opportunities to improve care for patients with anaphylaxis. The availability of epinephrine auto-injectors is not and should not be highly controlled, and the education and training of patients and health care professionals on the appropriate use of these devices are priorities. Attendees discussed numerous strategies that can be implemented by providers, health plans,and hospitals to improve patient care in this disease state.
mesh_terms: D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006262:Health; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections / Q000379:methods; D008329:Managed Care Programs; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010604:Pharmacy; D011153:Population; D058996:Quality Improvement; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents; D004837:Epinephrine