Development of new ASCIA subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) resources

Abstract

Introduction: Immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IRT) is used to treat adults and children with primary immune deficiencies (PID) and other medical conditions. IRT is administered using intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) or subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg). SCIg infusions are administered by slowly injecting purified immunoglobulin into fatty tissue underneath the skin, and can be administered at home by patients or carers. Sufficient patient and carer education, training and follow up is therefore essential, to ensure effective and safe home based SCIg therapy. Method: The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) first developed SCIg resources in 2014 (Position Statement and patient education package). In 2016 ASCIA PID e-training for health professionals was also developed, which included a module on SCIg and IVIg. In 2017 and 2018 an ASCIA SCIg working group was formed and this group has participated in two workshops. Surveys of nurse specialists working with PID patients have been conducted prior to the workshops to ascertain what resources should be developed or updated. Clinical consensus and published information have also guided resource development and updating. Resources developed: The ASCIA SCIg resource workshops in May 2017 and May 2018 have resulted in development of the following open access online resources: • SCIg therapy-General information for patients and carers • Checklist-SCIg equipment • Checklist-SCIg infusions • Guide-Setting up a SCIg service in a hospital • SCIg Treatment Plan • Transfer Care Plan for patients on IRT (SCIg or IVIg) • Travel Plan for patients on SCIg • Immunodeficiency webpage www.allergy.org.au/immunodeficiency Conclusion: Sufficient patient education and training at the initiation of SCIg therapy, and follow up care is essential to ensure patient safety and effective delivery of home based SCIg therapy. ASCIA SCIg resources assist nurse specialists, clinical immunologists and other health professionals in educating and training patients, by providing consistent, accurate and readily available information, training, plans and checklists, that are regularly reviewed and updated.L6251341062018-11-28 <br />