Accurately describing drug allergies and adverse drug reactions: The Australian Delphi Consensus on Drug Allergy Terminology
Authors:
- Kehoe, Jillian
- Stiles, Samantha
- Vale, Sandra
- Yun, James
- Thien, Francis
- Trubiano, Jason
- Kim, Kiely
- Smith, William
- Lucas, Michaela
- Garg, Alka
- Gwee, Amanda
- Carr, Andrew
- Arnold, Annabelle
- Ricciardo, Bernadette
- Katelaris, Connie
- Chan, Damian
- Healy, Elizabeth
- Thien, Frank
- Yun, James
- Trubiano, Jason
- Kim, Kiely
- Perrett, Kirsten
- Brewerton, Maia
- Lucas, Michaela
- Goh, Michelle
- Cooling, Nick
- Cooke, Peter
- Goss, Peter
- Leman, Peter
- Hissaria, Pravin
- Mullins, Ray
- Scolaro, Richard
- Salter, Sandra
- Barnes, Sara
- Shakib, Sepehr
- Sidhu, Shireen
- Fernando, Suran
- Smith, William
Details:
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: Global, Volume 5, Issue 1, 2026-01-31
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Background Standardizing drug allergy terminology is essential for consistent and accurate reporting of drug allergy information. Objective This study aimed to define drug allergy–related terms for use in clinical care and allergy documentation using the Delphi process. Methods The terminology list was developed by experts through a literature search, including relevant terms from the 10th and 11th revisions of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, respectively. A multidisciplinary panel consisting of 30 experts with representation from pharmacy, pediatrics, clinical immunology and allergy, nursing, dermatology, infectious diseases, general practice, anesthesia, emergency medicine, and pharmacology was convened. An online Delphi process, consisting of 3 rounds of anonymous surveys and a final online discussion, was used to reach consensus, which was defined as group-level agreement of at least 75%. Data were collected between April 2023 and June 2024. Results Over the course of the Delphi study, consensus definitions were reached for all 76 drug allergy terms. Of the consensus definitions, 3 (hypersensitivity, drug, and medication) required online group discussion to reach a consensus definition. Participation rates across the online surveys ranged from 90% and 60% in rounds 1A and 1B, respectively, 70% in round 2, and 66.7% in round 3. Conclusion Consensus definitions for a broad range of commonly used drug allergy terms were established. This work addresses the urgent need for consistent drug allergy terminology to enhance the accuracy of recording of drug allergy in medical records, which is important for optimal patient care. This study provides the framework for future updates to ensure that the terminology evolves to meet the needs of diverse international health care settings, particularly as technology and health care continue to advance.