Seamless care: Changing the approach to caring for children suffering from anaphylaxis

Abstract

The development and implementation of a clinical practice guideline based on the seamless care model is presented. Developed at Kidz First Children's Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand, the guideline deals with the prescription of epi-pens to children who have experienced an anaphylactic reaction. Traditionally, epi-pen prescription and follow-up support have been fragmented, with responsibility spread across a range of service providers, each operating largely on its own. To address this issue, the seamless care model has been used to establish a fully integrated care delivery system that facilitates a smooth transition from acute to community-based care. This development serves to demonstrate how seamless care can facilitate practice development and organisational change, as well as enhancing child and family health outcomes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Son, Ltd.