Integrating Digital Health into School Nursing for Food Allergy Management: A Systematic Review
<b>Background:</b> Food allergy [FA] is a growing public health concern among school-age children, with schools and childcare/daycare settings representing high-risk environments for accidental exposure and anaphylaxis. <b>Objective:</b> To systematically review evidence on digital health interventions supporting FA education, prevention, and management in school settings. <b>Methods:</b> A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL was conducted to identify studies published between January 2015 and December 2025 [PROSPERO CRD420251185553]. Eligible studies evaluated e-learning, mHealth, or web-based programs targeting school staff, parents, or students. <b>Results:</b> Sixteen studies met inclusion criteria. Digital health emerged as a catalyst for professional development, interprofessional communication, and health equity within school communities. Interventions consistently improved knowledge, preparedness, and self-efficacy in anaphylaxis management among school staff, strengthened parental empowerment and communication with schools, and supported coping and inclusion among allergic children. Evidence on clinical outcomes; however, remains limited. <b>Conclusions:</b> Digital health can meaningfully enhance school preparedness and reduce inequalities in allergy management. Integrating digital tools into national school health frameworks-particularly where school nursing is not yet institutionalized-may represent a pivotal step toward safer, more equitable inclusion of children with food allergy.
Authors
- Emma Montella (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5156-1666)
- Flavia Lotito
- Rita Nocerino
- Roberto Berni Canani
Institutions
- University of Rome Tor Vergata (IT)
- Federico II University Hospital (IT)
- Azienda USL di Pescara (IT)
- University of Naples Federico II (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Children
- Published
- 2026-01-22
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/children13010159
- Primary Topic
- Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00