Impact of a drug allergy education course for non‐specialists: Findings from ADAPT—A randomized crossover trial

Abstract

BackgroundThe consequences of drug allergy remain a global health concern. Drug allergy is often a neglected topic and many non‐specialists lack sufficient knowledge or confidence in evaluating or managing this common condition. Evidence‐based interventions to better equip non‐specialists to tackle drug allergy are needed. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an intensive educational course on drug allergy knowledge and practice of non‐specialists.MethodsA randomized crossover trial (NCT06399601) was conducted among practicing physicians and nurses participating in an intensive drug allergy course—Advances in Drug Allergy & Penicillin Testing (ADAPT). Participants' baseline knowledge and self‐reported practices were assessed with standardized questionnaires (scored from 0 to 100, with “satisfactory” defined as ≥60/100). Participants were randomized into two cohorts and attended ADAPT at different time points. Serial responses before and after the course were compared within and between cohorts.ResultsSeventy participants (25 physicians, 45 nurses) randomized into two groups completed the course. Baseline drug allergy knowledge (58.0 ± 19.9) and self‐reported practice (36.9 ± 24.3) were unsatisfactory among non‐specialists, with significantly lower scores from nurses than physicians in both domains (knowledge: 49.0 ± 17.4 vs. 74.0 ± 12.7; practice: 32.1 ± 21.3 vs. 53.3 ± 23.1; all p < 0.001).Following completion of ADAPT, participants demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge (58.0 ± 19.9 vs. 77.7 ± 15.9, p < 0.001) and self‐reported practice (36.9 ± 24.3 vs. 71.0 ± 20.2, p < 0.001). All participants (100%) and 99% of participants agreed that the course improved their clinical knowledge and practice, respectively.ConclusionsADAPT, an intensive drug allergy educational course was effective in improving drug allergy knowledge and practice for non‐specialists. Further longitudinal studies are required to evaluate long‐term impact.