Needs assessment for an infant and toddler food allergy curriculum for pediatric residents

Background: The prevalence of pediatric food allergies is increasing. Although pediatric residents are frontline providers for children with food allergies, little is known about pediatric residents' educational experiences and comfort with infant and toddler food allergy.

Methods: An anonymous online needs assessment survey was created and distributed to 64 residents in one residency program. The survey explored residents' knowledge sources, experience, and comfort in diagnosing, treating, and counseling patients with regard to food allergy and anaphylaxis.

Results: Fifty-one pediatric residents (79.7%) completed the survey. Pediatric residents who had formal engagement with allergy-trained clinicians had 8.27 times the odds (odds ratio 8.27 [95% confidence interval, 1.16-59.01]; p = 0.035) of feeling comfortable in treating infant and toddler anaphylaxis compared with those who did not feel comfortable.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that a standardized pediatric residency curriculum, in partnership with pediatric allergists, may present enhanced educational opportunities for pediatric residents.