Penicillin Allergy, Really?—A Cross-Sectional Mixed-Methods Study in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, to Explore General Practitioner Perspectives on Delabeling Potential in Primary Care

Background: Most penicillin allergy labels are documented in early childhood and result from events of low risk for allergy. In Germany, evidence-based strategies to evaluate the likelihood of a true penicillin allergy are still lacking. As general practitioner input is indispensable regarding required resources for the implementation of successful delabeling strategies in outpatient care, a mixed-methods study in Baden-Württemberg, Germany explored untapped delabeling potential and conditions for successful initiatives based on their experiences, to support preservation of penicillin as a treatment option and prevent resistance development. Methods: A cross-sectional convergent mixed-methods study was conducted with an online survey and semi-structured interviews. The survey link and invitation to participate in an interview was sent to randomly selected publicly available e-mail addresses. Survey data were analyzed descriptively. Qualitative data were analyzed inductively based on thematic analysis. Results: n = 101 survey questionnaires and n = 15 interviews were analyzed regarding relevance, experiences, framework conditions, and potential approaches to delabeling. All participants with limited recollection of the index reaction. Most participants considered delabeling a highly relevant topic in general practice. Delabeling efforts were discouraged by lack of time, expertise, and remuneration, and uncertainty due to missing guidelines. Taking a sufficient medical history and, if necessary, subsequent testing were seen as one approach to delabeling. For a standardized approach in primary care, patient and care provider education, precise guideline recommendations, and delabeling expert teams were suggested. Conclusions: The findings mirror aspects already identified in international research. A nationwide survey with general practitioners could confirm that addressing necessary resources and systemic adjustments would support effective penicillin allergy delabeling in outpatient care.