Needs assessment of advanced practice provider education in allergy & immunology

Advanced practice providers (APPs) are increasingly utilized throughout the health care system. At present there is no nationally sanctioned curriculum for APPs providing Allergy & Immunology (A&I) care. A nationwide gap analysis and targeted needs assessment were conducted to examine the current level of education/training of APPs in A&I. At present, training in A&I in NP/PA schools is quite limited. The formal education and clinical training APPs receive at practice sites varies significantly with most APPs feeling only somewhat comfortable providing A&I care upon completion of their training period. Results of a nationwide gap analysis and targeted needs assessment identify the need for providing education specific for A&I to APPs practicing in this field.