Exploring the Patient Perspective of Allergic Rhinitis Management in Australia

Abstract

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic upper respiratory illness affecting 19% of people in Australia and up to 85% of people with asthma. In Australia, people with AR are able to purchase gold standard AR treatments in a community pharmacy without the need to consult a health care professional (HCP). However, AR remains poorly controlled, resulting in individual and socioeconomic burden. With AR being predominantly self-managed, we must look towards the patient in order to answer why AR is poorly controlled. Aim: To explore patients’ experiences of AR management in Australia and identify the health networks accessed by patients with AR and those with co-morbid asthma. Method: This research utilised qualitative enquiry and social network theory principles. Patients’ perceptions of AR management and impact on their quality of life (QOL) were explored. The network of people and resources that influenced the patients’ AR decision making were identified. Qualitative enquiry was utilised to understand the role of the individuals and resources within the AR network. Further research of this nature was conducted in patients with asthma and AR to explore the patient’s asthma network. Results: Patients with AR described experiencing ongoing symptoms for many years. They often had multiple consultations with HCPs and had tried many treatments for their symptoms without obtaining complete relief. Patients often described a delay in diagnosis due to their symptoms frequently being mistaken for ‘a cold’ and had resigned themselves to thinking that their symptoms were not able to be controlled. Patients reported that they no longer consulted HCPs for their AR yet were still implementing the advice that they had received in the past and were confident in being able to manage their AR themselves. Patients with asthma and AR have a different network of individuals and resources for their asthma than those reported for AR. Patients with AR and asthma relied on HCPs differently in making decisions about their asthma than they did for their AR and were less likely to use their own experience when making decisions surrounding their asthma management. Conclusion: Patients perceived themselves to be confident in managing their AR, however they required support. Existing relationships with HCPs should be utilised to enhance the patients’ ability to self-manage their AR.