Hellings PW, Seys SF, Marien G, Agache I, Canonica W, Gevaert P, Haahtela T, Klimek L, Mullol J, Pfaar O, Scadding G, Scadding G, Valiulis A, Aria AMD, Bousquet J, Pugin B; ARIA masterclass discussants.
Around 20-30% of the European populations suffer from allergic rhinitis, which affects their social life, sleep and work productivity, indirectly rising the economic burden for society.
The ARIA (allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma) initiative has been developing guidelines for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and asthma to ensure the highest level of best practices in real-life settings, and has evolved towards integrated care pathways using mobile technology and further to management as the key to provide an active and healthy life to all allergic rhinitis patients.
In September 2018, the first ARIA masterclass was held in Brussels with the following key objectives:
- To provide unbiased education on the best-practices for allergic rhinitis diagnosis, treatment and follow-up
- To update clinicians about recent research data in allergic rhinitis and asthma, from clinical trials to real-world evidence
- To share next generation care pathways for the optimal management of patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma
- To inform clinicians about change management and its impact on healthcare
- To support clinicians with the adoption of digital solutions in daily practice.
A recent study showed that allergic rhinitis specialists behave like patients, showing a real disconnection between physician’s prescription and patient’s behavior for allergic rhinitis treatment.
The majority of allergists prescribe medications for the entire pollen season, but the vast majority of patients use their medications on-demand when their symptoms are not well controlled.
The objective of the ARIA masterclass was to anticipate a reconnection between physicians and patients, by promoting a patient-centered approach, with a therapeutic strategy tailored to the patient needs but also to their preferences. The use of integrated care pathways and mobile Apps can facilitate this change in care management. In turn, this would result in better symptoms controls for patients, and a substantial reduction of indirect cost for the society.
