Individual research recommendation details

Recommendation ID

CG116/5

Question

Modes of provision of support to healthcare professionals:- What would be the impact of dietetic telephone support to healthcare professionals to aid in the diagnosis and assessment of babies showing non-IgE-mediated food allergy symptoms in primary care and community settings?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

Why this is important:- There is currently no evidence to assess the impact of early diagnosis of non-IgE-mediated food allergy on the quality of life for babies and their families. The standard method of written referral is not timely (within the first month of presentation), yet there is no evidence whether providing indirect dietary advice via a healthcare professional is acceptable to the family. This system, however, could result in reduced attendances at GP surgeries and health
clinics, reduced need for unnecessary medications and treatment, improved health for the whole family and improved skills for the healthcare professionals being supported in the diagnosis. However, it would need increased dietetic support and skills. A community-based randomised controlled trial is needed to compare the standard written dietetic referral method with indirect advice via a healthcare professional following consultation with a dietitian, for families
with babies aged under 1 year who present with symptoms of non-IgEmediated food allergy. Primary outcomes should be an assessment of the quality of life and acceptability of this service to the family. Secondary outcome measures could be related to attendance at GP surgeries, and
medications and other interventions implemented.

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance

Food allergy in under 19s: assessment and diagnosis

Number

CG116

Date issued

February 2011

Other details