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. 2024 Jan;14(1):e12325.
doi: 10.1002/clt2.12325.

Exploring the role of information and communication technologies in allergic rhinitis in specialist centers: Patient perspectives on usefulness, value, and impact on healthcare

Ivan Cherrez-Ojeda  1   2 , Jean Bousquet  3   4   5 , Zouina Sarfraz  6 , Azza Sarfraz  7 , Monica Rodriguez Gonzales  8 , Anna Bedbrook  9 , Nelson Rosario  10 , Benjamin Zepeda-Ortega  11 , Guillermo Guidos  12 , Ulbio Alcivar Molina  13 , Miguel Felix  1   2 , Emanuel Vanegas  1   2 , Karla Robles-Velasco  1   2 , Luc J Zimmermann  14 , Antonio W D Gavilanes  14   15
Affiliations

Exploring the role of information and communication technologies in allergic rhinitis in specialist centers: Patient perspectives on usefulness, value, and impact on healthcare

Ivan Cherrez-Ojeda et al. Clin Transl Allergy. 2024 Jan.

Abstract

Introduction: Information and communication technologies (ICTs) improve patient-centered care and are routinely used in Allergic Rhinitis (AR), but patients' preferences and attitudes are unexplored. This study examines AR-related information preferences and ICT use by AR patients.

Methods: A survey-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Ecuador from July to September 2019 in seven centers of reference for allergic disease. Participants were 18 years or older, diagnosed with AR and had access to ICT and the Internet. Descriptive and binomial logistic regressions were performed. A value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: 217 patients were included. 47% (n = 102) used ICTs to learn about AR, of which 38.2% (n = 83) found it useful. Most of participants (75%, n = 164) did not think that ICTs reduce their need to see a doctor. Individuals with poorer quality of life were more likely to utilize ICTs to contact their doctor (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.04-1.55), and more likely to be interested in AR-related content (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.00-1.52). Patients with long-term AR or other allergies were less likely to use ICTs (OR 0.92 and OR 0.40 respectively). Higher education and lower quality of life may increase AR apps adoption (OR 4.82, 95% CI 1.11-21.00). Academic preparation five-fold increased ICT use for health provider communication (OR 5.29, 95% CI 1.18-23.72). Mild-persistent AR enhanced the probabilities of using ICTs to share experiences and communicate with other patients (OR 12.59, 95% CI 1.32-120.35).

Conclusions: Our study emphasizes the importance of tailoring digital resources to patient needs by considering factors such as quality of life, education, and specific subgroups within the AR patient population. Additionally, the findings suggest that while ICTs can play a valuable role in patient education and support, they should complement, rather than replace, traditional medical care for many AR patients.

Keywords: Ecuador; allergic rhinitis; information and communication technologies.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no competing interests to disclose.

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