MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Christopher M. Bland, Pharm.D., FCCP, FIDSA, BCPS Clinical Associate Professor Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy University of Georgia College of Pharmacy Clinical Pharmacy Specialist St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System Savannah, GA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Nearly 10% of the United States population self-report a penicillin allergy. However 90% of these allergies are found to be false upon reconciliation which includes patient interview, graded challenge, direct challenge, or penicillin skin testing. This is crucial as patients labeled with a penicillin allergy often receive more expensive antibiotics that additionally cause more adverse effects. While reconciling penicillin allergies is an important antimicrobial stewardship goal, resources are often limited in various healthcare settings to accomplish several of these endeavors. Our study evaluated the use of pharmacy students to serve as patient interviewers to aid in reconciling penicillin allergies. (more…)