Assessment of Satisfaction in Patients Undergoing Immunotherapy for Allergic Rhinitis Using Questionnaires / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Symptoms and their effects on functional status, as well as patient satisfaction, are important parameters in assessment of treatment results. We analyzed, using questionnaires, changes in allergic symptoms after immunotherapy and patients' satisfaction after immunotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Thirty six patients who received immunotherapy for perennial allergic rhinitis at least for one year were evaluated using questionnaires before and after immunotherapy. The questionnaires included the changes in allergic symptoms and satisfaction after immunotherapy. RESULTS: The majority of patients (83.3%) noted an improvement in general symptoms of allergic rhinitis within 1 year after beginning immunotherapy. However, only a half of patients felt satisfactory. The patients who received immunotherapy for longer duration showed tendency to feel symptom improvement in a greater degree than satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The various factors, such as treatment duration, cost, and needs or wants of patient as well as symptom improvement, should be considered to improve patient satisfaction regarding immunotherapy.