Patients' perspective on allergen immunotherapy for respiratory allergy

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Allergy and Clinical Immunology
• Patient-Reported Outcomes

Background:

• Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is the only disease-modifying treatment for respiratory allergies, improving quality of life and asthma control.
• Despite proven efficacy and safety, AIT is underutilized due to cost, misinformation, patient skepticism, and adherence challenges.
• Limited reimbursement further restricts patient access to AIT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore patient perspectives on AIT for respiratory allergies.
• To identify factors influencing AIT awareness, motivation, adherence, and perceived risks/benefits.
• To examine the role of education, shared decision-making, and patient associations in AIT.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of literature on patient perspectives in AIT.
• Analysis of patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) related to AIT.
• Evaluation of factors affecting adherence and patient-centered care.

Main Results:

• Patient perspectives significantly impact AIT adherence and treatment success.
• Adherence is influenced by age, physician engagement, perceived efficacy, convenience, education, and socioeconomic factors.
• Financial barriers and lack of reimbursement are major obstacles to AIT access and adherence.

Conclusions:

• Understanding and incorporating the patient perspective is crucial for successful AIT.
• Effective communication, shared decision-making, and tailored education improve long-term compliance.
• PROMs and patient associations are vital for personalized care, monitoring, and advocacy in AIT.