Iuliana Badiu, Stefania Nicola, Nicolò Rashidy, Stefano Della Mura, Daniele Tarrini, Virginia Bernardi, Mara Gallicchio, Irene Ridolfi, Elena Saracco, Erika Montabone, Marina Mazzola, Luca Lo Sardo, Giada Geronazzo, Ludovica Comola, Antonietta Apricena, Ilaria Vitali, Anna Quinternetto, Lucrezia Alessi, Federico Meli, Marzia Boem, Marcelo Teocchi, Salvatore Schinocca, Maria Carmen Rita Azzolina, Federica Corradi, Simone Negrini, Giovanni Rolla, Richard Borrelli, Luisa Brussino
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objective: The anti-COVID vaccination campaign has led to a significant increase in the demand for allergology consultations in patients considered at risk of reaction to anti-COVID-19 vaccines. This study aims to describe the experience of the vaccination campaign held in Piedmont (Italy) which developed a new service of Allergy Call Center (ACC) thus providing for the screening and management of allergy high-risk patients during pandemic.
Study design: A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients considered at high risk for the development of allergic reactions who were referred by the Immunology and Allergy Unit of Azienda Ospedaliera Ordine Mauriziano in Turin, Italy, between December 2020 and December 2022 and also on ACC consultations.
Methods: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Piedmont Region instituted the ACC, active from May 10th, 2021 to December 31st 2022, to allow vaccinating doctors to require a telephonic consultation for patients who were considered at high risk for the development of allergic reactions. If further diagnostic evaluations were required, the ACC scheduled a visit with a Consultant of the Unit to better assess the clinical situation of the patient. Furthermore, patients referred by General Practitioners, Occupational Doctors and other consultants were also evaluated by the Unit when required.
Results: During the operational period the ACC received a total of 15,865 calls and referred only 336 patients to the unit (27.4% of the total referrals), while General Practitioners referred 499 patients (40.8%), Occupational Doctors referred 61 patients (4.9%), and other consultants referred 326 patients (26.6%).
Conclusions: Evaluation and management of a large volume of requests seemed to be facilitated by a proactive framework for screening patients at high risk for allergic reactions as the ones referred by our ACC. This approach led to a prominent decrease in allergological visits to our tertiary care Centre, reducing the waiting times and providing additional support for both patients and healthcare providers, thus allowing the vaccinations to be more easily handled.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health is an esteemed international publication, offering a platform for peer-reviewed articles that drive advancements in global epidemiology and international health. Our mission is to shape global health policy by showcasing cutting-edge scholarship and innovative strategies.