Survey of the extent and nature of care for adults and older adults by allergy/immunology practitioners.
BACKGROUND
The proportion of older adults in the US population will increase dramatically in the near future, yet the frequency and nature of care furnished to older adults by Allergy/Immunology practitioners has not been described.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the extent and nature of care being provided to adults and older adults by Allergy/Immunology practitioners.


METHODS
ACAAI members and fellows were surveyed to obtain information regarding certification and training as well as their practice patterns.


RESULTS
The distribution of diagnoses among patients aged 40 to 54 years were very similar to distributions found among adults age 55 to 69 years and > or = 70 years of age. Virtually all respondents indicated they provide inhalant allergen immunotherapy for patients age 40 to 54 years with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis; administration of inhalant allergen immunotherapy for asthma and allergic rhinitis was also frequently reported for adults > or = 55 years. The proportions of respondents providing venom immunotherapy for adults aged 40 to 54, 55 to 69, and > or = 70 years were 82%, 70%, and 39%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
ACAAI members and fellows commonly provide care to older adults. Our survey findings highlight the need to develop strategies for successful management of Allergy/Immunology conditions specifically pertaining to older adults, including studies to determine the therapeutic utility of inhalant allergen and venom immunotherapy in this age group.
Lang
D M
DM
Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Visintainer
P F
PF
Howland
W C
WC
Stein
M
M
Villareal
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000486:Allergy and Immunology / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003625:Data Collection; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000628:therapy; D007167:Immunotherapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010548:Personal Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011216:Practice Management, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States