Conversations That Change Outcomes: Shared Decision-Making Around Epinephrine Use, Device Options, and Real-World Readiness - CME

CME

Title: Conversations That Change Outcomes: Shared Decision-Making Around Epinephrine Use, Device Options, and Real-World Readiness

Description: Despite clear guidelines calling for prompt administration of epinephrine for anaphylaxis, real-world data show continued delays, underuse of rescue therapy, and overreliance on antihistamines across primary care, pediatric, and emergency settings. Patients and caregivers frequently face barriers such as needle phobia, inconsistent device carriage, uncertainty about when epinephrine is needed, and limited awareness of newer needle-free options. Clinicians also report challenges in addressing device preferences, reinforcing timely epinephrine use, and correcting misconceptions, particularly as nasal epinephrine and other emerging therapies expand rescue options. The increasing use of preventive biologics has further contributed to confusion, with some families incorrectly assuming rescue epinephrine is no longer necessary. This program uses interactive, case-based learning to equip clinicians with practical, patient-centered strategies to improve counseling, device selection, and anaphylaxis readiness across home, school, and community settings.

Target Audience: This educational activity is designed for primary care, pediatric, allergy/immunology, and emergency room clinicians, as well as other healthcare providers involved in the treatment and management of anaphylaxis.

Learning Objectives

Apply evidence-based communication strategies to counsel patients and caregivers on recognizing anaphylaxis and the importance of timely epinephrine administration
Compare currently available epinephrine delivery options, including autoinjectors, nasal spray formulations, and emerging alternatives, to support patient-centered device selection based on individual preferences, needs, and clinical context
Address common misconceptions and barriers that contribute to under-utilization of epinephrine, such as fear of needles, reliance on antihistamines, concerns about nasal congestion, and misunderstanding of the role of preventive therapies
Develop personalized anaphylaxis readiness plans that incorporate shared decision-making, reinforce carriage and correct use of rescue medication, and ensure alignment across home, school, and community settings

Specialties: Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Allergy and Immunology, Primary Care

Disclosures and Disclaimers: This activity is designed for educational purposes. Participants have a responsibility to use this information to enhance their professional development in an effort to improve patient outcomes. Conclusions drawn by the participants should be derived from careful consideration of all available scientific information. The participant should use his/her clinical judgment, knowledge, experience, and diagnostic decision-making expertise before applying any information, whether provided here or by others, for any professional use.

Accredited Providers

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Credit Information

Credit Type	Units / Unit Type	Board
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit	1 Credits	ACCME- Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education