How can we remove erroneous penicillin allergy labels?

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the use of the Penicillin Allergy Reassessment for Treatment Improvement (PARTI) tool in supporting appropriate penicillin allergy labelling in dental practices.

DESIGN

Parallel mixed methods study.

METHODS

Focus groups of patients with documented penicillin allergies and healthcare worker targeted questionnaires were used in gathering feedback on the PARTI tool's design and functionality. Transcriptions of the focus group discussions and free text answers from the questionnaires were coded for analysis using a modified grounded theory approach.

RESULTS

A total of 15 patients engaged in the focus groups and 50 healthcare workers responded to the questionnaire. Mean age of the patients was 52 years and 53.3% were female. Most patients (73.3%) had visited a dentist in the preceding year and 86.6% were asked about drug allergies. Healthcare worker respondents included 30% pharmacists and dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants (28%). Feedback from patients and healthcare workers on the PARTI tool was constructive and suggestions were made for improvement. Many healthcare workers (68%) highlighted the importance of the section on penicillin allergy testing in the PARTI tool. Feedback from the participants was incorporated into the final PARTI tool.

CONCLUSIONS

Feedback from patients and healthcare workers was used to finalise a tool for dental practices to enhance dentist-patient communications regarding penicillin allergy.