Strategies for compliance with the internship program among three pediatric interns with latex allergy.

INTRODUCTION Latex allergy is common in the hospital setting. OBJETIVE To describe the clinical situation of three pediatric interns with latex allergy and the prevention strategies implemented during clinical clerkships in pediatric and neonatal intensive care units. PATIENTS, METHODS, AND OUTCOMES The three interns referred symptom exacerbation during their internship program. Diagnosis was confirmed based on a compatible history and positive specific immunoglobulin E. A semi-structured interview was done to describe perceptions about prevention strategies, the personnel were trained, and nitrile gloves were provided for carrying out procedures. Interns completed their clinical clerkships without having allergic reactions. Positive aspects referred by interns were that they felt cared for and experienced an improved quality of life; negative aspects were a bad predisposition and resistance against change among some other interns. Strategies designed to this end permitted interns to continue their internship program.