FOR INFANT COW’S MILK ALLERGY
Cow’s Milk Allergy Service
About this programme
The Oviva Cow’s Milk Allergy (CMA) service supports the appropriate diagnosis and management of infants with mild-moderate non IgE CMA, in line with current primary care and NICE guidance.
Why should you refer your patients?
The service provides infants with non-IgE mediated CMA and their families access to technology and resources to enable them to self-manage their allergy; with access to additional support and expertise from a specialist paediatric dietitian. The programme has been shown to improve the cost effectiveness of prescribing of CMA infant milks by supporting the adherence to local formulary and clinical guidelines.
Rapid access clinic for infants to support the appropriate diagnosis with individually tailored management
Specialist dietetic care to support sufficient prescribing savings
Evidence-based and accessible dietetic led management of mild-moderate non IgE CMA
Programme pathway
All infants enrolled in the programme receive an initial consultation with a specialist paediatric dietitian followed by a series of one to one or group depending on the parent/carer’s personal preference. Telephone reviews are available for those not able to access the app. Dietetic care is completed, usually when the allergy is resolving.
Diagnosis
An initial consultation with a specialist paediatric dietitian to take an allergy focused history and set treatment goals with the parent/carer.
Management
Support with complementary feeding onto a milk free diet empowering parents and carers to make informed and safe decisions on their child’s feeding. The option of group coaching enables peer support as well as efficient delivery of services.
Resolution
Fortunately the prognosis of this allergy means that many children will start to outgrow it at around one year of age. The programme supports parents and carers with the knowledge and skills to safely reintroduce cow’s milk back into the child’s diet.
Breastfeeding and Cow’s Milk Allergy
Breastfeeding is the optimum form of nutrition for infants and Oviva actively supports the promotion of breastfeeding. Dietitians and dietetic support workers will support mothers, carers, midwives, health visitors, GPs and other HCPs in ensuring that all mothers who want to breastfeed are able. This includes in cases of suspected food allergies and ensuring that the diagnostic guidance is correctly followed to prevent inappropriate treatment and unnecessary discontinuation of breastfeeding.
Eligibility criteria
To be accepted on to the programme, all referred infants must:
- Have suspected mild-moderate non-IgE-mediated CMA, including soya allergy with a CMA diagnosis
- Be aged < 12 months old (unless on a prescription formula)
- Be registered with a GP practice within contract ICB
Your questions answered
How can primary care refer to the programme?
Please complete the referral form in full accessed via your system and send to the email address provided on the form.
What resources are available for those who do not want to or are unable to use the Oviva app?
If a participant does not have a smartphone or would prefer not to use one, they can have all appointments via telephone calls. The app is not compulsory and they can benefit from the service without using the app if preferred, although we encourage all participants to download the app to have the best possible experience of the service.
Meet the team
All Oviva services are overseen by our experienced team of service managers, clinical leads, specialist dietitians and health coaches.
Lucy Shipton RD
Paediatric Prescribing Support Dietitian
Jarina Kaye
Service Manager
Carine Jelinek
Service Delivery Lead