Health care situation in patients with allergic respiratory diseases with special focus on specific immunotherapy

Abstract

Summary Background Allergic respiratory diseases have an impact on the performance and quality of life of the patients. The allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is the only causal treatment approach with the chance to positively influence the course of the disease. However, differentiated figures for the treatment of suitable patients in Germany are still missing. Methods The health care situation in Germany is examined with a retrospective, cross-sectional, cohort-based health care analysis based on patient data and routine data from statutory health insurance (SHI). Characteristics are identified that encourage or prevent guideline-based care. In addition, data on quality of life and costs of illness of allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma are collected and evaluated. Results Routine data provide comprehensive and cross-sectoral information about diagnoses and utilization of health care services. In addition, primary data give information on disease severity, treatment history, quality of life, use of alternative treatment methods, and sociodemographic characteristics of the patients. Conclusion Analysis of the care situation with regard to the specific immunotherapy in cases of allergic respiratory diseases (VerSITA) provides a solid basis for future research and for informing decision-makers in order to develop measures to optimize care.