Level 3

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All modules are designed to augment, not replace training by school nurses or another licensed professional registered nurse. Per Michigan law, school staff must receive anaphylaxis management training by a licensed professional registered nurse.

School Staff Training Module

School Staff Quiz

Food allergy quiz and certificate of completion. After viewing the Michigan Level 3 Training module and passing the accompanying quiz, a Certificate of Completion will be provided. Your school nurse may request this to track completion of the module.

The training module, quiz, and certificate of completion are free to use and share by all.

Link to Level 3 Training Powerpoint

Cross Contact One Page Handout

One Page Handout about avoiding cross-contact of food allergens

Label Reading Two Page Handout

Two Page Handout about reading labels to avoid food allergens

We Thank the Following Organizations for Review and Support of the School Staff Training Module

Reviewing Organizations

Thanks to Our Individual Reviewers:

Pete Hunt, MPH, M.Ed.
Anne Sheetz, MPH, BSN, RN, CNAA, Former Director, Massachusetts DPH, School Health Services
Sally Schoessler, MEd, BSN, RN
Michael Young, MD, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Ruchi Gupta, MD, MPH, Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University
Jennie Young, Senior Program Coordinator, NEA Health Information Network
Mary Ann Gapinski, MSN, RN, NCSN, Director, Massachusetts DPH, School Health Services
Kathleen McDarby, RN, MPH, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Food Allergy Management & Education
Lynda Mitchell, MA, President of Kids With Food Allergies Foundation
Jacqui Volk, Director of Programs and Services, AAFA
Tonya Winders, MBA, CEO, Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics
Eleanor Garrow, BHA, President, Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team
Chris Weiss, PhD, Global Food Protection Institute
Debbie Saryan, Executive Director, AAFA New England Chapter

The Effectiveness of a Computer-Based Module to Augment the Education of School Staff in the Management of Students with Life-Threatening Food Allergies

New England Society of Allergy Abstract on Effectiveness of AllergyHome Staff Training Module: A study conducted by Massachusetts School Nurse Research Network (MASNRN) (Oct 2013)

L. White¹, J. Aubin², C. Bradford³, C. Alix⁴, L. Hughes¹, W. Phipatanakul^{5, 6}; ¹Boston College, Boston, MA, ²North Attleboro School District, MA, ³Sudbury School District, Sudbury, MA, ⁴Foxborough Regional Charter School, Foxborough, MA, ⁵Boston Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Boston, MA, ⁶Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
*Results also presented as an oral abstract at the National Association of School Nurses Annual Conference (June 2013)

BACKGROUND: Food allergies are on the rise. Educating non-medical personnel in knowledge, prevention, recognition, and treatment of anaphylaxis is important.

OBJECTIVE: To pilot the effectiveness of a computer-based learning module used as a teaching tool to increase the knowledge and confidence of school staff in the recognition and management of life-threatening food allergies (LTFA).

METHODS: The Massachusetts School Nurse Research Network implemented a thirty minute self-directed, computer-based learning module among 85 non-medical school staff from 6 elementary schools. Mean test scores were compared pre/post training.

RESULTS: All participants reported an increase in knowledge There was a significant difference in the mean test scores for Knowledge Pre= 8.6 (SD ±1.3) Post =10.1 ( SD ±1.1), t(-10), P < 0.001, Confidence Pre= 11.5 (SD±3.3) Post= 14.6 (SD±1.6), t (-10) P < 0.001, and Attitude Pre=23.0 (SD±2.9) Post=26.0 (SD±2.1), t (-11.5), P< 0.001) towards students with LTFA compared to baseline. No correlation was noted between perceived confidence and knowledge scores at either time point. The greatest change in attitude was related to the recognition that students with food allergies were at risk for being bullied by others 29.4% Pre versus 90.4 % Post. The majority of participants reported completing the module on a school computer off work hours and evaluated the module favorably as an education tool.

CONCLUSIONS: An online module may supplement school nurses’ limited time to train staff and enhance school preparedness in addressing students with LTFA. Increased awareness about bullying of food allergic children may also arise from this training.

Staff Training: Food Allergies & Anaphylaxis in School – What School Staff Need to Know

This 30 minute module is designed to assist the school nurse in staff training of management of life-threatening allergic reactions and increase food allergy awareness for all school staff including teachers, food service personnel, administrators, aides, specialists, coaches, bus drivers, custodians and others.

Topics include food allergy basics, label reading, common hidden ingredients, cross-contact, recognition of allergic reactions & anaphylaxis, how to give epinephrine, issues in specific school settings, and the social/psychological impact of food allergies.
Reviewed by national organizations and food allergy/school health experts.
UPDATED OCT 2013: Staff training module has been reviewed and updated to be consistent with CDC’s Voluntary Guidelines for Managing Food Allergies in Schools and Early Care and Education Programs

Food Allergy Quiz

This multiple choice exam can be used to follow-up on staff after completion of “Management of Food Allergies in School: What School Staff Need to Know.” A certificate of completion is available to be printed or emailed after passing the exam.

Anaphylaxis: What School Staff Need to Know Written supplemental material that supports the above training module. This is designed to reinforce key principles in the management and recognition of anaphylaxis by school staff.