Significant Practice Variation Research Articles

QLTI-08. SURVEY OF CANADIAN NEURO-ONCOLOGY CLINICIANS ABOUT THE TREATMENT OF ADULT MEDULLOBLASTOMA

Abstract BACKGROUND Given the rarity of medulloblastoma in adults (fewer than 50 incident cases annually across Canada), the optimal chemotherapy strategy in this population is unknown. The management of adult medulloblastomas is thought to vary from institution to institution. Guidelines often omit suggestions for specific chemotherapy regimens, reflecting the lack of high quality evidence in this population. We sought to understand Canadian adult medulloblastoma practice patterns, hoping to inform future quality metrics and guidelines. METHODS In March 2022 a 30-question survey was sent out to 71 adult neuro-oncology clinicians on the Canadian Adolescent and Young Adult national rounds mailing list. Snowball sampling was permitted. RESULTS There were 25 responses (up to 35% response rate). Radiation oncologists (11), neuro-oncologists (8), medical oncologists (4), and neurosurgeons (2) responded from 6/10 Canadian provinces. They each treated on average 1.6 medulloblastoma patients per year. Most (61% of respondents) said that medulloblastoma molecular subgrouping was always done at their centre. Half (50%) indicated that cerebrospinal fluid testing was always done at diagnosis. The most common (64%) radiation regimen was 36 Gy (in 20 fractions) craniospinal irradiation + 18 Gy (in 10 fractions) boost. Concomitant chemotherapy was rarely given (75% of respondents included chemotherapy less than half of the time). Adjuvant chemotherapy was frequently administered (79% of respondents give it more than half of the time). The most common adjuvant chemotherapy was Cisplatin/Lomustine/Vincristine (57%), but other regimens included Cisplatin/Lomustine/Vincristine alternating with Cyclophosphamide/Vincristine (21%), Cisplatin/Cyclophosphamide/Vincristine (14%), and carboplatin-based regimens (14%). Respondents noted challenges prescribing chemotherapy in this population: drug toxicities, limited resources, and clinical uncertainty. There was support for standard of care adult medulloblastoma guidelines in 92% of respondents. CONCLUSIONS There is significant practice variation among Canadian neuro-oncology centres treating adult medulloblastoma. This variation can serve as an opportunity for quality improvement and clinical research.

Clinical approach to vasoplegia in the transplant patient from the Pediatric Heart Transplant Society.

This manuscript outlines a clinical approach to vasoplegia incorporating the current state of knowledge regarding vasoplegia in pediatric patients immediately post-transplant and to identify modifiable factors both pre- and post-transplant that may reduce post-operative morbidity, end-organ dysfunction, and mortality. Centers participating in the Pediatric Heart Transplant Society (PHTS) were asked to provide their internal protocols and rationale for vasoplegia management, and applicable adult and pediatric data were reviewed. The authors synthesized the above protocols and literature into the following description of clinical approaches to vasoplegia highlighting areas of both broad consensus and of significant practice variation.

P137 Diagnosis of nocturnal hypoventilation in children with neuromuscular disorders by polysomnography – a survey of clinical practice in Australia and New Zealand

Abstract Background Diagnosis of nocturnal hypoventilation requires measurement of pCO2 during sleep, which can occur via exhaled gas (capnography) or transcutaneous methods. Different national and international definitions of hypoventilation exist, which may contribute to significant variation in clinical practice. Methods An electronic survey was completed by pediatric sleep physicians in Australia and New Zealand to determine how pCO2 was measured during polysomnography, what pCO2 data was available to reporting physicians/included in the report and which definitions of hypoventilation physicians use. Results More than two thirds (70%) of physicians indicated that in their centre pCO2 was collected via transcutaneous measurement only and 30% by both transcutaneous and end-tidal measurement. Twelve definitions of hypoventilation were used, including published definitions from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine manual and the pediatric Australasian Sleep Association/Australasian Sleep Technologists Association recommendations. The most commonly used definition was an increase in pCO2 >50mmHg for >25% total sleep time. The percentage of total sleep time with pCO2 >50mmHg was routinely included in the report and/or easily available in the raw data for 70% of physicians. Discussion There was significant variation and lack of standardisation within Australia and New Zealand when measuring and reporting pCO2 during polysomnography as well as definitions of hypoventilation used by pediatric sleep physicians. The Australasian Sleep Association/Australasian Sleep Technologists Association recommendations were not frequently used, possibly due to relevant information not being available to reporting physicians, recommendations being irrelevant and/or outdated and excessive cognitive load associated with remembering multiple definitions.

Management of paediatric acute severe behavioural disturbance in emergency departments across Australia: A PREDICT survey of senior medical staff.

Acute severe behavioural disturbance (ASBD) is a condition seen with increasing frequency in EDs. It poses a significant risk to the patient and those around them. Little is known about the epidemiology or most effective management in the paediatric population. The aim of the present study is to clarify the practice of senior emergency doctors in Australia when managing paediatric ASBD. The present study was a voluntary electronic questionnaire distributed to and undertaken by senior medical staff in EDs affiliated with the Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) network. Respondents reported on exposure to and confidence in managing paediatric ASBD and their current practices. A total of 227 (33%) clinicians completed the survey between February and May 2020. Most clinicians were caring for at least two young people with ASBD each week (72%), felt confident regarding the majority of components of management and referred to local clinical practice guidelines (69%). Agitation/sedation rating scales were seldom used (19%). There was a significant variation in self-reported management practices. The choice of whether to use medication at all, the medication chosen and route of administration all varied greatly. Respondents were more willing to provide parenteral medication to young people reported as having recreational drug intoxication (84%) than those with neurodevelopment disorders (65%) when the same degree of agitation was reported. Within Australia, there is considerable variation in paediatric ASBD practice, in particular regarding medication provision. Further prospective research is required to inform best clinical practice.

NATURAL CYCLE FROZEN EMBRYO TRANSFER: EVALUATING OPTIMAL PROTOCOLS FOR PREPARATION AND TIMING

While natural cycle frozen embryo transfer (NC-FET) is becoming increasingly common, significant practice variation exists in the use of ovulation induction medications, administration of ovulation trigger, and timing of embryo transfer, without consensus as to the optimal protocol.

Attitudes & practices surrounding pregnancy post heart transplant among pediatric providers.

Many pediatric heart transplant (HT) recipients reach adulthood and may be interested in family planning; there is little data regarding safety of pregnancy post HT and clinicians' opinions differ. Pediatric HT clinicians are instrumental in early counseling. Thus, a better understanding of pediatric HT clinicians' practices regarding family planning and how well aligned these practices are with adult transplant centers is essential. We conducted a confidential, web-based survey of pediatric HT clinicians in fall 2021. We summarized and compared answers using Fisher's exact test. The survey was sent to 53 United States-based HT directors and to the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation and Pediatric Heart Transplant Society list serves. There were 69 respondents. The majority (77%) of respondents felt pregnancy was feasible in selected or all female HT recipients. Ten respondents reported that their institution had an established policy regarding pregnancy post HT. A majority (77%) of HT clinicians would either use a shared care model or recommend transition to their adult institution if pregnancy occurred, though 74% of respondents were either unaware of their corresponding adult institution's policy (62%) or had a counterpart adult program with a policy against pregnancy post HT (12%). While many clinicians feel pregnancy is feasible in pediatric HT recipients, there remains significant practice variation. Few pediatric programs have a policy regarding pregnancy post HT. Future efforts to provide consistent messaging between adult and pediatric HT programs regarding the feasibility and care of post HT pregnancy are warranted.

The data and the reality: urine cultures and emergency medicine physicians.

The IDSA has published guidelines for the treatment of urinary tract infections, recommending limiting treatment to symptomatic patients and pregnant females. Our objective is to elucidate current practice patterns among emergency physicians (EPs) in treating positive urine cultures in various clinical situations. This study employed a cross-sectional design utilizing a questionnaire addressing nine common scenarios encountered by EPs in the follow-up of a positive urine culture. The questionnaire was conducted using RedCap and distributed via email to current and former physicians and residents across our hospital network. Demographic information included years of training and practice setting. For each of nine clinical scenarios, Physicians were asked if they would treat with antibiotics. Results were then analyzed by tabulating percentage of responses and 95% confidence intervals. Of 120 respondents, 40.8% worked in academic centers with emergency medicine residencies, 37.5% in large community hospitals, and 20.67% in small community hospitals. Responses came from 14 residents, 33 attendings < 5years out of training, 23 attendings 5-9years out of training, 37 attendings 10-20years out of training, and 13 attendings > 20 beyond training. Asymptomatic young women were treated by 34.2% (95% CI 25.91-43.46%) while asymptomatic elderly women were treated by 50% (95% CI 40.79-59.21%) of EPs. All EPs (95% CI 96.13-100%) chose to treat a symptomatic male and 99.2% (95% CI 94.77-99.96%) chose to treat an asymptomatic pregnant female. Elderly females after a fall were treated by 63.3% (95% CI 54-71.8%) of EPs while elderly males with confusion and a fall were treated by 96.7% (95% CI 91.18-98.93%). Asymptomatic males with a chronic Foley catheter were treated by 28.2% (95% CI 20.67-37.4%) of EPs and 46.7% (95%CI 37.59-55.97%) would treat an asymptomatic middle-aged female with diabetes. Finally, 92.5% (95% CI 85.85-96.3%) of EPs chose to treat an asymptomatic kidney transplant patient. EPs in varied training stages and practice settings have significant practice variation in the treatment of positive urine cultures, particularly in the geriatric population, often prescribing antibiotics to patients where clear, specific and data-driven IDSA guidelines suggest treatment is unnecessary and potentially harmful.

Quality of life and home parenteral nutrition: a survey of UK healthcare professionals' knowledge, practice and opinions.

There is increasing interest in the assessment of health-related quality of life (QoL) in the care of patients treated with home parenteral nutrition (HPN). However, it is not known whether healthcare professionals (HCPs) have embedded QoL assessment into routine clinical practice in line with current guidelines to favour a more holistic approach to HPN care. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, current practice and the opinions of HCPs regarding QoL in care of patients on HPN. An online survey was distributed via email to HCPs working with HPN patients throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Participants were identified using a mailing list for the British Intestinal Failure Alliance, a specialist group within the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. The survey was completed by 67 professionals comprising 24 dietitians, 17 nurses, 14 gastroenterologists, 6 pharmacists, 5 surgeons and 1 psychologist. Of these, 54 (80%) participants agreed that the measurement of QoL is useful. In contrast, 38 (57%) of all participants, including 27 (50%) of those participants who agreed that the measurement of QoL was useful, never measured QoL. Knowledge of QoL literature was rated as poor or very poor by 27 (40%) participants. Despite the perceived usefulness and importance of QoL assessment, very few HCPs embed it into clinical practice. Knowledge of QoL literature and QoL tools is variable, and there is significant variability in QoL practice. This is clear in terms of the frequency of QoL assessments and heterogeneity in methodology. In contrast, there was almost unanimous agreement that the complications associated with HPN contribute to poorer QoL. There is a need for specific, evidence-based, clinical practice guidelines detailing how to define and measure QoL in this patient population.

28 Blood culture collection practices in NICU; A national survey

Abstract Background Blood cultures are the gold standard in the investigation of neonatal sepsis, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, there are currently no consensus guidelines for blood collection for culture in newborns. In addition, it can be challenging to obtain sufficient blood volume in infants, which can affect the validity of culture results. Objectives To examine current practices in blood collection for culture in the investigation of neonatal sepsis in NICUs across Canada. Design/Methods A 9-item electronic survey (Appendix A) was sent to each of the 29 level 3 NICUs in Canada, which are equipped to provide highly specialized care for newborns. Results Responses were received from 26 (90%) of the 29 level 3 NICUs. Fifty-six percent of NICUs have blood collection guidelines for the investigation of neonatal sepsis. Forty-eight percent of NICUs routinely collect 1.0 mL of blood per culture bottle. By contrast, 32% of NICUs determine adequate blood volume using body weight and 8% using gestational age. In late-onset neonatal sepsis (LONS), 58% of centres process one aerobic culture bottle. Four NICUs (15%) routinely add anaerobic culture bottles. Few centres draw blood for culture from an indwelling catheter when present as a first-line option in LONS. Specifically, one NICU routinely draws blood from a central venous line and four NICUs (17%) routinely draw from a peripheral arterial line. In early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS), 73% of NICUs draw blood for culture from umbilical lines, while 72% use peripheral venepuncture. Two centres routinely collect cord blood from the placenta for culture in EONS. Only one NICU applies the concept of differential time-to-positivity (DTP) in suspected central-line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) to determine whether a colonized catheter is the true source of infection. Conclusion There is significant practice variation in blood collection for culture in level 3 NICUs across Canada. Standardization of blood collection practices will improve antimicrobial stewardship and appropriate resource utilization, as well as provide reliable estimates of the true incidence of neonatal sepsis in Canada.

Regional variation and rising costs of groin hernia repairs in Australia: is there an urgent need for clinical consensus guidelines?

Regional variation and rising costs of groin hernia repairs in Australia: is there an urgent need for clinical consensus guidelines?

A Systematic Review of the Effect of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring on Patient Health Outcomes during Treatment with Carbapenems.

Adjusting dosing regimens based on measurements of carbapenem levels may improve carbapenem exposure in patients. This systematic review aims to describe the effect carbapenem therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) has on health outcomes, including the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Four databases were searched for studies that reported health outcomes following adjustment to dosing regimens, according to measurements of carbapenem concentration. Bias in the studies was assessed with risk of bias analysis tools. Study characteristics and outcomes were tabulated and a narrative synthesis was performed. In total, 2 randomised controlled trials (RCTs), 17 non-randomised studies, and 19 clinical case studies were included. Significant variation in TDM practice was seen; consequently, a meta-analysis was unsuitable. Few studies assessed impacts on AMR. No significant improvement on health outcomes and no detrimental effects of carbapenem TDM were observed. Five cohort studies showed significant associations between achieving target concentrations and clinical success, including suppression of resistance. Studies in this review showed no obvious improvement in clinical outcomes when TDM is implemented. Optimisation and standardisation of carbapenem TDM practice are needed to improve intervention success and enable study synthesis. Further suitably powered studies of standardised TDM are required to assess the impact of TMD on clinical outcomes and AMR.

Improved Adherence of Colonoscopy Surveillance Guidelines Using an Automated Endoscopy Template to Standardize Evidence-Based Recommendations

In February 2020, the United States Multi-Society Task Force (USMSTF) updated their recommendations for follow-up interval after colonoscopy with or without polypectomy. A salient change is increasing the surveillance interval for 1-2 adenomas <10 millimeters (mm) in size from 5-10 years to 7-10 years. Amid the change in these guidelines, there was significant practice variation among gastroenterology (GI) fellows and attendings regarding adherence to the new recommendations for colonoscopy follow-up intervals. In this quality improvement study, we aimed to improve adherence to appropriate follow-up recommendations for patients undergoing screening colonoscopy with 1-2 diminutive adenomas and next colonoscopy interval based on the updated USMSTF guidelines.

Why do states give refugees the right to work?

Abstract This article explains the conditions under which countries allow refugees the right to work in accordance with Articles 17–19 of the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees. It explores variation in both the de jure and de facto rights to work through a mixed-methods approach. Qualitatively, it builds upon research in the East African region, in which there is significant variation in state practice relating to refugees’ socio-economic rights. Quantitatively, it draws upon an original dataset to examine the policies of low- and middle-income countries that host more than 1,000 refugees. Coding for the right to work was supplied by and triangulated across three different refugee organizations with relevant expertise. We argue that the de jure and de facto rights to work are shaped by distinctive actors and mechanisms. De jure rights are determined by pay-offs at the ‘national’ level; de facto rights by pay-offs at the ‘local’ level. While being a signatory of international norms is the most important variable for de jure commitment, the degree of decentralization is the most important variable underlying de facto rights. These findings suggest that promoting refugee norm compliance relies upon creating incentives at both national and local levels.

Assessment of fluid balance after neonatal cardiac surgery: a description of intake/output vs. weight-based methods.

Fluid overload associates with poor outcomes after neonatal cardiac surgery, but consensus does not exist for the most clinically relevant method of measuring fluid balance (FB). While weight change-based FB (FB-W) is standard in neonatal intensive care units, weighing infants after cardiac surgery may be challenging. We aimed to identify characteristics associated with obtaining weights and to understand how intake/output-based FB (FB-IO) and FB-W compare in the early postoperative period in this population. Observational retrospective study of 2235 neonates undergoing cardiac surgery from 22 hospitals comprising the NEonatal and Pediatric Heart and Renal Outcomes Network (NEPHRON) database. Forty-five percent (n = 998) of patients were weighed on postoperative day (POD) 2, varying from 2 to 98% among centers. Odds of being weighed were lower for STAT categories 4 and 5 (OR 0.72; 95% CI 0.53-0.98), cardiopulmonary bypass (0.59; 0.42-0.83), delayed sternal closure (0.27; 0.19-0.38), prophylactic peritoneal dialysis use (0.58; 0.34-0.99), and mechanical ventilation on POD 2 (0.23; 0.16-0.33). Correlation between FB-IO and FB-W was weak for every POD 1-6 and within the entire cohort (correlation coefficient 0.15; 95% CI 0.12-0.17). FB-W measured higher than paired FB-IO (mean bias 12.5%; 95% CI 11.6-13.4%) with wide 95% limits of agreement (- 15.4-40.4%). Weighing neonates early after cardiac surgery is uncommon, with significant practice variation among centers. Patients with increased severity of illness are less likely to be weighed. FB-W and FB-IO have weak correlation, and further study is needed to determine which cumulative FB metric most associates with adverse outcomes. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

413.3: Towards a National System of Living Donor Follow-up in Canada

Introduction: Despite the provision of universal health care, there are several real or potential gaps in the post-donation care of living kidney donors in Canada. Health services are administrated by provincial governments and there is no national standard for living donor follow-up. In the absence of a national standard, transplant programs lack dedicated funding to ensure appropriate long-term follow-up of living donors and there is no mechanism to obtain national information about the health outcomes of living donors including death or kidney failure. Methods: We describe our ongoing work-plan to establish national consensus on the follow-up of living kidney donors in Canada and to establish funding for a new national system of living donor follow-up. This work was financially supported by Canadian Blood Services. The results of completed activities will be presented. Results: The work-plan includes: 1) An environmental scan of the current practice of living donor follow-up. This showed significant clinical practice variation between the 28 adult and pediatric kidney transplant programs. 2) A literature search to determine international models of living donor follow-up, which revealed significant international variation in practice and failed to identify a preferred model for implementation in Canada. 3) A survey of 685 living donors, which was undertaken to determine donors’ experience, needs, satisfaction and preferences for follow-up. The survey revealed that most (72%) of donors receive follow-up from a primary care physician, a minority (30%) of donors were dissatisfied with their follow-up, and two thirds endorsed life-long follow-up after donation. 4) A stakeholder conference including past donors, transplant professionals and researchers will be held in October 2022. This conference will include presentation of background information, breakout discussions led by facilitators and a plenary session in order to establish consensus recommendations on living donor follow-up including donor consent, essential data capture, and implementation recommendations. The workshop recommendations will also be used to produce a report. Finally, we plan to advance a business plan to implementation in all 28 kidney transplant programs. Conclusions: The presentation will summarize our workplan and findings to date. The information may be useful in other countries or regions considering establishment of living donor follow-up programs. This work was financially supported by Canadian Blood Services.

Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery of Great Britain and Ireland (AUGIS)/Perioperative Quality Initiative (POQI) consensus statement on intraoperative and postoperative interventions to reduce pulmonary complications after oesophagectomy.

Pulmonary complications are the most common morbidity after oesophagectomy, contributing to mortality and prolonged postoperative recovery, and have a negative impact on health-related quality of life. A variety of single or bundled interventions in the perioperative setting have been developed to reduce the incidence of pulmonary complications. Significant variation in practice exists across the UK. The aim of this modified Delphi consensus was to deliver clear evidence-based consensus recommendations regarding intraoperative and postoperative care that may reduce pulmonary complications after oesophagectomy. With input from a multidisciplinary group of 23 experts in the perioperative management of patients undergoing surgery for oesophageal cancer, a modified Delphi method was employed. Following an initial systematic review of relevant literature, a range of anaesthetic, surgical, and postoperative care interventions were identified. These were then discussed during a two-part virtual conference. Recommendation statements were drafted, refined, and agreed by all attendees. The level of evidence supporting each statement was considered. Consensus was reached on 12 statements on topics including operative approach, pyloric drainage strategies, intraoperative fluid and ventilation strategies, perioperative analgesia, postoperative feeding plans, and physiotherapy interventions. Seven additional questions concerning the perioperative management of patients undergoing oesophagectomy were highlighted to guide future research. Clear consensus recommendations regarding intraoperative and postoperative interventions that may reduce pulmonary complications after oesophagectomy are presented.

Patient Preparation and Radiation Protection Guidance for Adult Patients Undergoing Radioiodine Treatment for Thyroid Cancer in the UK

Radioactive iodine is a highly effective treatment for thyroid cancer and has now been used in clinical practice for more than 80 years. In general, the treatment is well tolerated. However, it can be logistically quite complex for patients due to the need to reduce iodine intake and achieve high levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone prior to treatment. Radiation protection precautions must also be taken to protect others from unnecessary radiation exposure following treatment. It has been well documented by thyroid cancer patient support groups that there is significant variation in practice across the UK. It is clear that some patients are being asked to observe unnecessarily burdensome restrictions that make it more difficult for them to tolerate the treatment. At the instigation of these support groups, a multidisciplinary group was assembled to examine the evidence and generate guidance on best practice for the preparation of patients for this treatment and the management of subsequent radiation protection precautions, with a focus on personalising the advice given to individual patients. The guidance includes advice about managing particularly challenging situations, for example treating patients who require haemodialysis. We have also worked together to produce a patient information leaflet covering these issues. We hope that the guidance document and patient information leaflet will assist centres in improving our patients' experience of receiving radioactive iodine. The patient information sheet is available as Supplementary Material to this article.

Variations in Practices and Preferences of Vocal Fold Injection Materials: A National Survey.

Vocal fold injection augmentation (VFI) is a common procedure for the treatment of glottic insufficiency. Material options for VFI and decisions regarding material selection are not standardized and often based on clinician preference. This study aims to understand the variations in provider preference and utilization of injectable materials for VFI. A 40-question survey was sent to 158 academic laryngologists. Questions pertained to the type of injectable materials used including brand preferences and rationale for preferences. Ninety-seven of the 158 laryngologists contacted participated in the survey (61.4%). The most frequently used injectable materials were Hyaluronic Acid (HA)-based products. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)-based products were preferred for trial augmentation (57.2%), HA-based products were preferred for acute/subacute vocal fold paralysis, presbyphonia, and sulcus/scar (54.2%, 61.5%, 44.7%, 41.7% respectively), and Calcium Hydroxyapatite (CaHA)-based products were preferred for long-term paralysis (28.1%). CMC-based products were discontinued by 21.8% of participants, largely due to quick material resorption. 17.8% of participants discontinued HA-based products largely due to adverse events and 26.0% abandoned CaHA-based products mostly due to inflammatory properties causing vocal fold stiffness and material unpredictability. Over 30% of respondents reported wanting to reinitiate micronized alloderm Cymetra® as an available injectable. Our survey demonstrated that there are significant variations in practice and preferences in regard to injectable material selection for VFI. As there is limited data on the direct material comparison, understanding the rationale behind these variations is crucial to guide new providers in material selection and provide information to patients undergoing these procedures. 5 Laryngoscope, 133:1176-1183, 2023.

National quality improvement intervention to reduce high risk oral methotrexate prescribing

BackgroundHarmful or fatal errors related to accidental overdose of methotrexate tablets are well documented. In England, the coprescription of 2.5 mg and 10 mg methotrexate tablets is not recommended, because...

Practice Variations in the Management of Infants With Non-IgE-Mediated Cow's Milk Protein Allergy.

Infants with non-IgE-mediated food allergies are often referred to gastroenterologists or immunologists. We hypothesized that there are practice variations between these disciplines in the diagnosis and management of such infants. A computerized questionnaire was distributed between pediatric gastroenterologists and immunologists. The questions addressed diagnosis, management, and follow-up in 3 scenarios of infants with concern for food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP) due to non-IgE-mediated responses to cow's milk. Three cases of infants with suspected FPIAP were presented: milk-based formula-fed (case 1) or breast-fed (case 2) infants that are well appearing and thriving, and a breast-fed infant who is not growing appropriately along with a personal and family history of atopy (case 3). Fifty-eight pediatric gastroenterologists and 32 immunologists completed the questionnaire. Significant differences between gastroenterologists and immunologists were noted regarding the recommended dietary changes in these scenarios. Moreover, despite available guidelines generated by both societies, most physicians confirm the diagnosis based on resolution of symptoms after the dietary change, without re-exposure to the the suspected trigger. In addition, time for recommended re-exposure in infants with FPIAP was also different; most gastroenterologists recommended waiting until 12 months of age, while immunologists suggested reintroduction earlier, up to 6 months of age. We identified significant practice variations in diagnosis and management of FPIAP between pediatric gastroenterologists and immunologists, with lack of adherence to society guidelines. Joint task forces of primary care pediatricians, gastroenterologists, and immunologists should provide uniform guidelines to standardize care.