The healthcare experiences and psychological support needs of adults and caregivers managing food allergy

Abstract

Food allergy (FA) related distress is common in patients and caregivers, however, there is little funding for psychological support within allergy clinics. As part of the Global Access to Psychological Services for Food Allergy (GAPS) study, we explored adults’ and caregivers’ experiences with healthcare services in the UK and their FA-related psychological support needs. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 22 adults with FA and 14 caregivers of children with FA and analysed using template analysis. Three themes were constructed from the data: “Road to diagnosis and getting past the gatekeeper,” “Support for managing FA inside and outside the healthcare system” and “The need for a holistic healthcare approach.” There is need for greater understanding of FA, particularly within primary care. Access to psychological services within the multidisciplinary healthcare allergy team would provide patients and families with the holistic care they require and reduce the need for costly private services.