Primary care doctors' attitude towards drug allergy in Portugal: a questionnaire.

The aim of the study was to learn about perception of drug allergy by general practitioners (GP) from continental Portugal, identify difficulties and educational needs for its management. A total of 372 answers were obtained. A questionnaire was addressed to GPs. The most commonly identified drugs were antibiotics for 65.3% of the GPs and skin was the most commonly affected organ for 65.8%. Drug allergy was considered as very important in clinical practice by 73.7%, but difficulties in recognizing it were stated by 70.2%. Further education in this field wouldbe welcome by 97.8% of the doctors. The collaboration of Immunoallergology centers was considered non satisfactory by 39.8% of GPs and 45.7% of them stated that two-thirds of the suspected reactions were not investigated. These points deserve consideration in future health educational and organizational strategies.