Journal Article

Factors influencing implementation and adoption of direct oral penicillin challenge for allergy delabelling: a qualitative evaluation

Balaji, Ariyur, Daniels, Ron, Hullur, Chidanand, Dunsmure, Louise, Misbah, Siraj, McErlean, Mairead, Kildonaviciute, Kornelija, Thomas, Caroline, Jones, Nicola, Sandoe, Jonathan A T, Jani, Yogini H, Warner, Amena, West, Robert M, Williams, Iestyn, Powell, Neil, Savic, Louise, Thirumala Krishna, Mamidipudi, Bhogal, Rashmeet, Pollard, Rachel, Ng, Bee Yean

2024

Overview

BackgroundOver 95% of penicillin allergy labels are inaccurate and may be addressed in low-risk patients using direct oral penicillin challenge (DPC). This study explored the behaviour, attitudes and acceptability of patients, healthcare professionals (HCPs) and managers of using DPC in low-risk patients.MethodsMixed-method, investigation involving patient interviews and staff focus groups at three NHS acute hospitals. Transcripts were coded using inductive and deductive thematic analysis informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework.FindingsAnalysis of 43 patient interviews and three focus groups (28 HCPs: clinicians and managers) highlighted themes of ‘knowledge’, ‘beliefs about capabilities and consequences’, ‘environmental context’, ‘resources’, ‘social influences’, ‘professional role and identity’, ‘behavioural regulation and reinforcement’ and a cross-cutting theme of digital systems. Overall, study participants supported the DPC intervention. Patients expressed reassurance about being in a monitored, hospital setting. HCPs acknowledged the need for robust governance structures for ensuring clarity of roles and responsibilities and confidence.ConclusionThere were high levels of acceptability among patients and HCPs. HCPs recognised the importance of DPC. Complexities of penicillin allergy (de)labelling were highlighted, and issues of knowledge, risk, governance and workforce were identified as key determinants. These should be considered in future planning and adoption strategies for DPC.

• Publisher: British Medical Journal Publishing Group,BMJ Publishing Group LTD,BMJ Publishing Group
• Subject: Administration, Oral / Adult / Adverse events, epidemiology and detection / Allergies / Anti-Bacterial Agents - administration & dosage / Anti-Bacterial Agents - adverse effects / Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use / Antibiotic management / Antibiotics / Antimicrobial agents / Drug Hypersensitivity - psychology / Ethnicity / Female / Females / Focus groups / Focus Groups - methods / Gender / Humans / Infectious diseases / Interviews / Interviews as Topic - methods / Male / Medication safety / Middle Aged / Original Research / Patient safety / Patients / Penicillin / Penicillins - administration & dosage / Penicillins - adverse effects / Pharmacists / Professionals / Qualitative Research