# Identifying and Prioritising BSACI Service Standards for Paediatric Allergy in the United Kingdom

## TL;DR

This paper identifies 17 key priorities for improving pediatric allergy care in the UK based on stakeholder input.

## Contribution

The study establishes strategic priorities for pediatric allergy service standards through stakeholder consultation.

## Key findings

- Seventeen strategic priorities were identified across six themes for pediatric allergy care.
- Priorities include multidisciplinary staffing and regional networks for better care delivery.
- Early intervention and communication barriers were highlighted as key areas for improvement.

## Abstract

Demand for paediatric allergy services has risen significantly over the past 20 years. National health datasets suggest almost 40% of children have an allergy diagnosis. Existing service standards from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) have focused on specific disease care pathways and the interface between primary and secondary care services. Given strategic changes to NHS children and young people's services, we undertook a collaborative project between RCPCH and the British Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI) to define service priorities for Paediatric Allergy Care accreditation in the UK.

A BSACI working group developed 29 potential service standards. A consultation was then undertaken amongst BSACI members to identify indicative priorities. Potential standards were then prioritised using methodology adapted from the James Lind Alliance, by 24 stakeholders representing patients/patient groups (9), commissioners (2) and healthcare professionals (13).

Seventeen strategic priorities were identified, under the following 6 themes: service delivery, prevention, diagnostics, management, communication, maintaining standards/education. These included: setting a minimum staffing mix for multidisciplinary teams providing paediatric allergy care (medical specialist(s), specialist nurse, dietitian, health psychologist); prompt recognition and management of complex, multisystem allergic disease; working within a regional network to ensure access to specialist paediatric allergy services; use of integrated care pathways and supporting primary care accordingly; supporting early access to interventions proven to reduce the risk of atopic disease (with consideration to potential barriers to access, including language, cultural, socioeconomic factors and other communication barriers); offering a referral pathway for disease‐modifying treatment where appropriate and effective transitioning to adult care.

These priorities form a basis for the delivery of high‐quality care to children and young people affected by allergic disease.

A total of 29 potential service standards for paediatric allergy were developed. These were then prioritised using methodology adapted from the James Lind Alliance, by stakeholders representing patients, service commissioners and healthcare professionals. The final 17 strategic priorities form a basis for the delivery of high‐quality care to children and young people affected by allergic disease.