Patient's experience of new approach to gluten free food provision
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative study on patient's experience of a new approach to the provision of gluten free foods via pre-paid subsidy card.
IRAS ID
228565
Contact name
Alison Jones
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Hywel Dda University Health Board
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 26 days
Research summary
Will patients with coeliac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis, have more flexibility, choice and access to gluten free foods and are they better able to stick to a gluten free diet when given financial support to purchase these products rather than receiving them on prescription? Also what are their views on gluten free food prescribing compared to receiving financial support? Due to pressures on NHS budgets the provision of gluten free foods is being reviewed in England to decide whether to restrict or stop prescriptions. In Wales, patients still receive gluten free food according to national prescribing guidelines but health boards and the Government are interested to explore other means of support for patients whilst at the same time reducing costs. Hywel Dda is undertaking a pilot to look at an alternative support method whereby patients receive a debit card with a pre-paid subsidy towards the purchase of gluten free food and this study aims to understand patient’s views on this pilot. As a gluten-free diet is the only treatment for these patients, it is vital to understand patient’s views on this new support method to ensure that it helps them to better manage their condition. The study, funded by Health and Care Research Wales/rcbc Wales, aims to recruit approximately 15 - 20 participants from across 9 GP practices in the health board who are also taking part in the pre-paid subsidy card pilot. The research will involve participants undertaking 30-45 minute semi structured interviews which will provide, through thematic analysis, qualitative data of the patient’s experience of gluten free food provision to under pin the logistical and financial evaluation of the pilot. This research will enable recommendations to be made on the future of gluten free food prescribing in Wales.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/EE/0058
Date of REC Opinion
26 Feb 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion