Discussion
The EAACI Task Force on Adolescents and Young Adults has developed an
evidence-based, clinical practice guideline to help HCP to manage AYA
with allergy and/or asthma. Adolescence can be a critical time for AYA
as they need to become independent, expert adult patients, successfully
self-managing their chronic conditions. This can be seen as a challenge
but also as an opportunity for HCP. This is because
neurodevelopmentally, adolescents are naturally eager to become more
autonomous and are able to learn new skills quickly and easily.
The guideline sets out a series of general recommendations focused on
how to run a clinical service for AYA. Key recommendations are to
consider starting transition early (11-13 years), using a structured,
multidisciplinary approach (involving both paediatric and adult clinics
where applicable); ensuring AYA fully understand their condition(s) and
have resources that they can access; discussing any implications for
self-management in real-world contexts such as further education/work
and actively monitoring adherence. Specific allergy and/or asthma
transition recommendations are categorised according to improving
adherence, optimising self-management, addressing psychological issues
and obtaining support. Highlights include simplifying medication regimes
and the use of reminders; focusing on areas where AYA are less
confident; involving peers in training AYA patients; identifying and
managing psychological and socioeconomic issues impacting disease
control and quality of life; enrolling the family in assisting AYA to
take on self-management and encouraging AYA to let their friends know
about their allergy and asthma.