The Necessity of Patient-Centered Care in Treating Allergic Rhinitis
Imagine getting a cold every year that lasts for three months without going away. No matter where you are, this cold catches you more regularly than the distant relative who promised to call every holiday. That’s Allergic Rhinitis (AR) in a nutshell.
AR patients typically experience sneezing, runny nose, thick mucus, and nose or eyes itches. AR affects more than 400 million people globally, with the Asia-Pacific region (APAC) contributing a large percentage. One would only imagine the number of medications and treatments that have been developed to treat a disease with such prevalence. However, there are observed gaps between published guidelines and their implementation in AR management.
Recognizing these challenges, experts in immunology and otorhinolaryngology from APAC communities now advocate for a patient-centered approach to AR management, emphasizing that treatment should align with patients' specific needs and preferences. Patient-centered care seeks to improve outcomes by involving patients in decision-making the decision-making process and adapting a more personalized and collaborative treatment approach.
The impact of AR on daily life is substantial. It affects quality of life (QoL), productivity, and mental well-being. Several patients experience sleep disorders from the symptoms that result in lethargy and impaired productivity. Although common, AR is often under-recognized and under-treated.
Shared decision-making (SDM) is central to patient-centered care. SDM encourages physicians and patients to discuss treatment options openly to weigh the benefits and risks of different therapies. This collaborative approach is especially relevant in AR management, where treatments like antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, and allergen immunotherapy (AIT) vary widely in cost, convenience, and side effects. Evidence shows that patient-centered care improves commitment, satisfaction, and health outcomes. In AR, where compliance is difficult, involving patients in decisions about their treatment plan can improve consistency and long-term effectiveness.
AR patients typically experience sneezing, runny nose, thick mucus, and nose or eyes itches. AR affects more than 400 million people globally, with the Asia-Pacific region (APAC) contributing a large percentage. One would only imagine the number of medications and treatments that have been developed to treat a disease with such prevalence. However, there are observed gaps between published guidelines and their implementation in AR management.
Recognizing these challenges, experts in immunology and otorhinolaryngology from APAC communities now advocate for a patient-centered approach to AR management, emphasizing that treatment should align with patients' specific needs and preferences. Patient-centered care seeks to improve outcomes by involving patients in decision-making the decision-making process and adapting a more personalized and collaborative treatment approach.
The impact of AR on daily life is substantial. It affects quality of life (QoL), productivity, and mental well-being. Several patients experience sleep disorders from the symptoms that result in lethargy and impaired productivity. Although common, AR is often under-recognized and under-treated.
Shared decision-making (SDM) is central to patient-centered care. SDM encourages physicians and patients to discuss treatment options openly to weigh the benefits and risks of different therapies. This collaborative approach is especially relevant in AR management, where treatments like antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, and allergen immunotherapy (AIT) vary widely in cost, convenience, and side effects. Evidence shows that patient-centered care improves commitment, satisfaction, and health outcomes. In AR, where compliance is difficult, involving patients in decisions about their treatment plan can improve consistency and long-term effectiveness.
Various common factors trigger allergic reactions in AR patients.
Image Source: Polina Tankilevitch
Yet, there are existing barriers to implementing patient-centered care in AR. Many patients may not understand their treatment options or the importance of consistent medication use, leading to self-medication depending on the severity of symptom episodes. Additionally, healthcare providers often face time constraints, which limits the opportunities for in-depth discussions about treatment preferences.
To overcome these barriers, healthcare systems can provide resources for educating patients about AR and its management. Training for healthcare providers in SDM techniques and patient-centered communication can also enhance patient engagement and improve adherence to guidelines.
In APAC, there is currently little focus on patient-centered care. As we move forward in addressing this common issue within the Asian community, patient-centered care has shown great potential to improve the management of AR which should be further carried out to minimize its impacts.
To overcome these barriers, healthcare systems can provide resources for educating patients about AR and its management. Training for healthcare providers in SDM techniques and patient-centered communication can also enhance patient engagement and improve adherence to guidelines.
In APAC, there is currently little focus on patient-centered care. As we move forward in addressing this common issue within the Asian community, patient-centered care has shown great potential to improve the management of AR which should be further carried out to minimize its impacts.
Featured Image Source: herbert11timtim
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