The Canadian anaphylaxis action plan for kids: development and validation

•Improving patient education in the recognition and management of anaphylaxis is a critical research priority.•The Kids’ CAP tool was developed based on an iterative human-centered design approach.•The Kids’ CAP is a useful educational tool to improve patient’s comprehension of anaphylaxis management. We designed a written Canadian Anaphylaxis Action Plan for Kids (Kids’ CAP) which incorporates validated pictograms with written instructions. Using a patient-centered approach, we aimed to validate the Kids’ CAP and assess its impact on anaphylaxis recognition and treatment, and to determine its’ perceived usefulness. Children and their parents were involved in appraising the design and written contents of the Kids’ CAP. The design process consisted of a development phase and clinical validation phase. First, we assessed the readability and understandability of the Kids’ CAP using validated instruments. Then, patients (12–17 years of age) and parents of patients (