Needs Assessment for an Infant and Toddler Food Allergy Curriculum for Pediatric Residents

Abstract

The prevalence of pediatric food allergies is increasing. Approximately 6% of children ages 0 to 2 years have a food allergy. Pediatric residents are frontline providers for children with food allergies, but little is known about their educational experiences and comfort managing infant/toddler food allergies. An anonymous online needs assessment survey was created and distributed to pediatric residents in one residency program. The survey explored residents’ knowledge sources, experience and comfort diagnosing, treating and counseling patients regarding infant/toddler food allergies. Forty-nine pediatric residents (77%) responded. Prior to residency, most residents (94%) did not have any formal training on infant/toddler food allergies. The most common sources of information on infant/toddler food allergies included outpatient pediatric clinicians (74%), other pediatric residents (59%) and emergency department clinicians (55%). Nearly all residents were uncomfortable (69%) evaluating food allergies. Most residents were very uncomfortable (20%) or uncomfortable (65%) managing food allergies. Most residents were very uncomfortable (16%) or uncomfortable (65%) counseling families about food allergy diagnosis. The majority of residents were very uncomfortable (14%) or uncomfortable (53%) counseling families about food allergy prevention. In contrast, most residents were very comfortable (16%) or comfortable (53%) diagnosing anaphylaxis. Similarly, most were very comfortable (20%) or comfortable (49%) treating anaphylaxis. While pediatric residents feel comfortable diagnosing and treating infant/toddler anaphylaxis, there is a lack of comfort surrounding infant/toddler food allergy evaluation, management, and counseling for families. Pediatric residents may benefit from a comprehensive infant/toddler food allergy curriculum which focuses on these specific areas of need.