Obstetrics and gynecology care as an opportunity for penicillin allergy testing: Results from a novel survey

Purpose Obstetrics and gynecology providers may have a unique opportunity to counsel, educate, and encourage penicillin allergy verification testing for patients reporting a childhood penicillin allergy. Materials and methods We developed a novel, anonymous, online survey on knowledge and openness to verification testing for both English- and Spanish-speaking participants. Pregnant patients with documented penicillin allergies were offered participation from January–March 2024 via QR code or link embedded in a MyChart message. Results A total of 189 eligible patients were approached for participation via in-person QR code at their routine clinic visit ( n = 134, 71%) or MyChart message ( n = 55, 29%) and 39 (21%) patients completed the survey. Responders were primarily Black ( n = 26, 68%), non-Hispanic ( n = 31, 81.6%), using public insurance ( n = 21, 55%). A majority ( n = 29, 76%) experienced a need for penicillin but had to receive a different antibiotic because of their reported allergy. Only 63% ( n = 24) had heard of allergy testing. Notably, patients would consider allergy testing during pregnancy, if their provider discussed allergy testing with them in a prior appointment [ n = 5 (83.3%) versus n = 9 (28.1%), OR = 12.78, Phi coefficient = 0.41, p = .018]. However, those same individuals reporting to have had a conversation with their provider regarding testing, did not show increased knowledge on how to obtain testing [ n = 7 (21.2%) versus n = 2 (33.3%), OR = 1.86, Phi coefficient = 0.10, p = .61]. Conclusion Women showed moderate knowledge about common penicillin allergy course and openness to penicillin allergy verification testing during pregnancy if a discussion had occurred with their provider about their allergy.