P55: TELL ME ABOUT YOUR HAY FEVER: A QUALITATIVE INVESTIGATION OF THE PATIENT PERSPECTIVES OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis affects 17\% of Australians and more than half of these people self-manage with over the counter medicines, often sub-optimally. To comprehensively understand the patient perspective of allergic rhinitis management, it is necessary to use qualitative investigation. This study utilises qualitative investigation to explore allergic rhinitis management from the perspective of the patient. People aged 18 years and over, with self-reported allergic rhinitis and the ability to understand and speak English, were eligible for inclusion. Recruitment occurred through social media (Facebook and website) to target the public and the mailing of invitation of letters to people with allergic rhinitis who had expressed interest in participating in research. Participants were required to complete allergic rhinitis quality of life and severity questionnaires as well as participate in a semi-structured qualitative interview about their allergic rhinitis. Interview transcripts were transcribed verbatim. Two researchers analysed the transcripts for identification of recurring themes and met regularly to discuss until a consensus was reached. Forty-seven people with allergic rhinitis were interviewed. Twenty-eight were female with a median age of 39. Interview ranged from 10 to 60 min. Seven main themes arose from the analysis of the interviews, that patients repeatedly mentioned during the interviews. Participants reported: (i) a delay in diagnosis of their AR; (ii) treatment fatigue; (iii) confidence in the ability to manage AR themselves; (iv) specific management preferences; (v) a financial burden associated with AR; (vi) unwanted attention associated with AR and (vii) a significant impact in overall wellbeing. Each theme is supported by patient quotes and examples that provide a deep understanding of the patient perspective of AR. In conclusion, the patient perspective of allergic rhinitis management is varied but also has common elements that need to be understood by the health care community.