A survey of the background underlying allergic symptoms in children with food allergy induced by accidental ingestion of or contact with the allergen

Abstract

The importance of patient education for self-care management has become known in allergic diseases. However, the current healthcare system restricts the enough time for patient education during regular medical visit. The aim of this survey is to investigate the current status and the change of patient education for children with allergic diseases in Japan. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide survey to the members of Japanese Society of Pediatric Clinical Allergy, which included both doctors and nurses, in 2013 by mail, and in 2018 by web. The questionnaire consisted of characteristics of medical institutions which the members belonged to, current status of patient education, and attitude toward patient education by specialist nurse. Date of the two surveys conducted with the interval of five years were compared. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifty-seven members from 136 institutions, and 269 members from 79 institutions answered the questionnaire in 2013 and in 2018, respectively. The proportion of education providers for asthmatic children using spacer with inhaled corticosteroid increased significantly in nurses (27.6% vs 51.9%) within 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Nationwide survey suggests that the number of nurses who provide education for children with allergic diseases are increasing within five years in Japan, whereas that of doctors did not change significantly.