Enfant présentant une allergie alimentaire en crèche : quelle est la place du Projet d’Accueil Individualisé ? Quels ressentis pour le personnel ?

Context

The nursery welcomes children from a few months to the age of 3 years, age range where there is an increase in cases of anaphylaxis related to food allergies (FA).

Objectives

To draw up an inventory of the training and knowledge of staff with regard to FA. Observe the organization of the Individualized Reception Project (IRP) in the nursery. Take stock of the feelings and possible apprehensions of professionals to work on a daily basis with a child with FA.

Methods

Survey conducted in 2023 with 50 staff working in different childcare facilities.

Results

Seventy-four per cent had initial training on FA, 64% had no training on FA since taking a position in nursery and 66% never handled an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI). Twenty-one per cent of the structures have an internal medicine cabinet to support an inaugural reaction of FA and 14% are equipped with AAI (internal stock not taking into account the AAI of possible IRP). Sixty-eight per cent know that they are allowed to apply the IRP themselves in emergency situations in the nursery, in connection with the ministerial circular of 2021. Sixty-six per cent are comfortable in the daily reception of the child with FA, 38% are comfortable with the handling of the AAI.

Conclusion

Given the increasing frequency of FA in small children, it is necessary for early childhood professionals to be better trained and informed during their studies and in the nursery, especially on the administration of AAI. It is desirable that an in-house pharmacy be equipped with AAI for the management of inaugural FA.