ASSESSING EMERGENCY ROOM NURSES’ AWARENESS OF NOVEL TREATMENTS AND EMERGING INNOVATIONS IN ANAPHYLAXIS MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Background: Anaphylaxis is an acute, potentially fatal systemic hypersensitivity reaction that requires rapid recognition and immediate treatment to prevent severe morbidity or mortality. Emergency room nurses play a pivotal role in early identification and timely management; however, international evidence suggests persistent gaps in knowledge regarding diagnostic criteria, epinephrine administration, and post-treatment monitoring. Inadequate awareness of updated guidelines and emerging therapeutic options may compromise patient safety, particularly in high-pressure emergency settings.

Objective: To assess the level of awareness and knowledge among emergency room nurses regarding updated definitions, evidence-based management protocols, and novel treatments for anaphylaxis, and to evaluate how this awareness may influence clinical practice.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 emergency room nurses working in tertiary care hospitals of Bahawalpur. Participants were recruited using non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected through a structured, self-administered, closed-ended questionnaire designed to assess demographic characteristics, clinical exposure, knowledge of anaphylaxis recognition, epinephrine use, complications, and awareness of emerging therapies. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, applying descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages.

Results: Among the participants, 66.7% correctly identified anaphylaxis as a life-threatening condition, while 33.3% demonstrated incorrect or uncertain understanding. Epinephrine was recognized as the first-line treatment by 58.3% of nurses; however, only 31.7% correctly identified the recommended intramuscular dose and route. A substantial proportion (85.0%) incorrectly believed that a single dose of epinephrine is always sufficient. Awareness of biphasic anaphylaxis was limited, with only 18.3% identifying it as a serious delayed complication. Knowledge of novel treatment approaches was moderate, and 70.0% expressed interest in further training, despite reported limitations in access to updated therapies and educational resources.

Conclusion: Emergency room nurses demonstrated moderate overall awareness of anaphylaxis management, but critical deficiencies were evident in epinephrine dosing, recognition of delayed complications, and familiarity with emerging therapies. Strengthening continuous professional education and improving access to updated, evidence-based guidelines are essential to enhance emergency care quality and patient safety.