Penicillin Allergy Evaluation Access: A National Survey

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Hospital Medicine
• Infectious Disease

Background:

• Penicillin allergies are common and can lead to unnecessary avoidance of beta-lactam antibiotics.
• Accurate diagnosis and management of penicillin allergies are crucial for patient safety and optimal antibiotic selection.
• Inpatient settings present unique challenges for evaluating and managing drug allergies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the availability of resources for managing inpatient penicillin allergies across US hospitals.
• To determine the extent of access to allergists and penicillin skin testing for hospitalized patients.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted among 121 hospitals across 38 US states.
• Data were collected on the availability of allergist consultations and inpatient penicillin skin testing.

Main Results:

• Only 44% of surveyed hospitals had access to an allergist for inpatient consultations.
• Access to inpatient penicillin skin testing was available in 39% of hospitals.
• A significant majority of US hospitals lack adequate resources for inpatient penicillin allergy management.

Conclusions:

• Current infrastructure for managing inpatient penicillin allergies in US hospitals is insufficient.
• There is a critical need to improve access to allergy specialists and diagnostic testing for hospitalized patients.
• Enhancing resources for penicillin allergy evaluation can improve antibiotic stewardship and patient care.