[EVALUATING CHALLENGES IN ALLERGY CARE: INSIGHTS FROM THE SAITAMA PREFECTURE TELEPHONE CONSULTATION PROGRAM FOR...

In Saitama Prefecture, a telephone consultation program for allergic diseases started in 2018 under the "Allergic Disease Consultation Office" initiative.

This study aimed to analyze consultation content and identify the current status and challenges of allergy care in the prefecture.

In total, 1016 consultation records from 2018 to 2025 were analyzed using a qualitative inductive approach. Trends over the fiscal years were examined using the Cochran-Armitage trend test.

The records were classified into five main categories. Food allergies were divided into 13 subcategories and 32 codes, while other allergic disease had 13 subcategories. "Consultation on Medical Visits" accounted for 237 cases (23.3%), covering specialized care, such as oral food challenge testing, adult food allergy management, systemic therapy for atopic dermatitis, and sublingual immunotherapy. Food allergy-related consultations comprised 668 cases (65.7%), and most were under "Dietary and Nutritional Guidance" (106 cases, 10.4%) and "Management in Educational Settings" (83 cases, 8.2%). A decrease in food allergy consultations among elementary school children was also noted (z=-2.77, p < 0.01).

Telephone consultations effectively visualize community healthcare needs. Future challenges include improving adult allergy services, enhancing support in educational settings, and strengthening interprofessional collaboration.