Allergy management goes digital

By Jamie Salter

Jun 24, 2020

AllergyPal is a digital management platform for children with moderate to severe food allergies, seeking to build a national database of patients with food allergies.

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The app was co-developed by two of Australia’s leading paediatric allergists and researchers at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Victoria, Katie Allen and Mimi Tang.

AllergyPal is a free app to help manage children's food allergies, and is suitable for any child with a food allergy, even with mild symptoms.

AllergyPal was recently announced a winner of the Australian Digital Health Agency Innovation Challenge, recognising innovation in the use of technology in health.

The competition received 395 applications and Australian Digital Health Agency chief digital officer Steven Issa said it was difficult to determine the finalists with so many creative ideas in the running.

“The winners of our challenge are providing amazing digital tools to improve the quality of healthcare services ... making it easier for people to manage their allergies,” Mr Issa said.

The AllergyPal app helps keep track of allergy and anaphylaxis action plans as well as expiry dates and correct use of EpiPens.

The app provides temporary caregivers with information on safe foods for children, helping parents reduce the stress and anxiety that comes with allergy management.

AllergyPal is available on the App Store and Google Play.

By Jamie Salter

Journalist