Findings from a national survey of pediatric primary care providers’ awareness of updated feeding guidelines for high risk allergic infants

RATIONALE: The 2015 LEAP Trial publication initiated a review of infant feeding recommendations, hoping to reduce the frequency of food allergic children (FAC). A 2017 addendum to the NIAID Expert Panel Guidelines (EPG) focused on early intervention for preventing food allergies in high risk children (1). Little is known on whether clinicians have received this information and increasing their access is important for reducing the public health burden of food allergies.

METHODS: A nationwide sample of 223 pediatricians, family practitioners, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants were evaluated for retention and comfort with EPG implementation after attending a seminar at the American Academy of Pediatrics 2017 Practical Pediatrics Conference.

RESULTS: 66% of 223 participants were familiar with the EPG before the seminar, while 34% were not. 45% of 214 respondents treated more than five FAC children in the last month. Additionally, 84% of participants had prescribed 1 or more epinephrine auto-injectors in the last month. After the seminar, 95% of 216 respondents rated their implementation comfort level a 3 or more on a scale of 1-5. 93% of 189 respondents rated their families’ receptivity a 3 or more on a scale of 1-5. Lastly, of 159 respondents, 48% said email updates were the best method of dissemination.

CONCLUSIONS:: Despite efforts to disseminate EPG, gaps remain for general pediatric practitioners (GPs). Many GPs are the first and only information resource for families regarding food allergies and feeding advice. The increasing prevalence of FAC makes supporting GPs imperative. Practitioners preferred seminar or email communication for updates.