Use of emergency backup resources during open food challenges at a pediatric tertiary care center.

Background: Oral food challenge (OFC) remains the criterion standard diagnostic procedure for food allergy. Although the need for OFCs has increased, some allergists may not perform them due to the risk for adverse events and lack of backup resources.

Objective: The study aimed to elucidate the frequency of reactions in which emergency backup resources were used and reported on various challenge outcomes at a tertiary pediatric hospital.

Use of patient group directions in an emergency care centre.

Patient group directions (PGDs) enable practitioners who are not independent prescribers to administer or supply patients with medications. They reduce delays in the administration of medication and thereby improve patients' journeys. This article discusses an audit of the use of PGDs in an emergency care centre to ensure that they are used appropriately and regularly.