Barriers to accessing aeroallergen immunotherapy in paediatrics

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
• Clinical Therapeutics
• Public Health

Background:

• Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is a safe and effective disease-modifying treatment for allergic rhinitis in children.
• Despite high prevalence, AIT prescribing in Ireland is lower than in comparable nations.
• AIT is indicated for moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis unresponsive to conventional therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate current AIT prescribing and referral patterns among Irish pediatricians.
• To identify key barriers hindering AIT access for children in Ireland.

Main Methods:

• An electronic questionnaire was disseminated to all pediatricians and trainees managing allergic rhinitis.
• Data collection focused on prescribing habits, referral practices, and perceived access barriers.

Main Results:

• Lack of knowledge on AIT clinical criteria was the primary barrier (50.5% of general pediatricians).
• Accessibility issues, including referral uncertainty (31.4%) and service scarcity (19.5%), were significant barriers.
• Subspecialized pediatricians reported higher AIT prescribing/referral rates.

Conclusions:

• Irish pediatricians hold positive views towards AIT.
• Barriers to AIT include general pediatricians' difficulty identifying suitable candidates and a deficit in local AIT services and referral pathways.