Attitudes toward allergy: what do the pediatricians think?

In 1971, we published a survey regarding pediatricians' attitudes toward the field of allergy/immunology (A/I). Results indicated general attitudes and practices fell short of what most allergist-immunologists would hope. We revisited this in 1998 to determine how pediatricians' attitudes toward A/I had changed nearly 3 decades later. Despite some advances, results from 1998 revealed that A/I remained a misunderstood specialty. With the increasing incidence of atopic disorders and improving awareness of primary immunodeficiency, it is more important today than ever before that pediatricians and general practitioners have a strong appreciation for the scope of disorders the subspecialty of A/I encompasses.

To reevaluate attitudes and practices of pediatricians toward A/I 40 years after the initial study and 13 years after this topic was last addressed.

A 25-question survey was mailed to 293 pediatricians in the St Louis area. Surveys were completed confidentially. Pearson correlation and χ(2) analyses were performed.

Of 293 pediatricians polled, 135 (46%) responded. Referrals to allergist-immunologists for urticaria have increased. Fewer pediatricians are referring asthma and atopic dermatitis patients to allergist-immunologists. Personal experience referring to an allergist-immunologist remains the greatest influence on current attitudes toward A/I. Prior exposure to A/I during medical education continues to have the least influence on pediatricians' attitudes toward A/I.

Increased appropriate referrals and improved patient outcomes could result from efforts to enhance A/I education during medical school and residency, maintain effective communication with referring physicians, and break down referral barriers to improve physicians' attitudes toward A/I.