Primary care management of chronic urticaria: a cross-sectional study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Primary care management of chronic urticaria: a cross-sectional study
IRAS ID
278257
Contact name
Carolyn Bayer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Southampton
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
53220, ERGO (Ethics and Research Online) University of Southampton
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 30 days
Research summary
This study is being conducted as part of a University of Southampton Allergy MSc dissertation.
Background: The majority of cases of chronic urticaria (CU) in adults have no clear cause, are self-limiting, require little or no investigation and can be managed with antihistamines at appropriate doses. However large numbers of these patients are referred to secondary care, increasing the burden on adult allergy and immunology services.
We hypothesize that GPs are not accurately diagnosing nor adequately managing chronic urticaria in primary care. GPs and patients may believe that food allergies are the underlying reason for chronic urticaria and need investigation. GPs may be reluctant to prescribe the higher doses of antihistamines that are sometimes required to control symptoms.
This study aims to answer the following questions:
• Can GPs distinguish between chronic urticaria, food allergy and other differential diagnoses?
• Do GPs prescribe higher dose antihistamines and other medications when indicated?
• Are GPs aware of current guidelines?
• What investigations do GPs routinely do for chronic urticaria?
• What do GPs find difficult about managing urticaria and what might help them to feel more confident?
Method: An online ‘Surveymonkey’ survey will be distributed to General Practitioners in England via the newsletters and mailing lists of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG) who have agreed to distribute the questionnaire. The aim will be to distribute to over 1000 GPs, in order to obtain a sample of at least 100 respondents. Data will be fully anonymized by the ‘Surveymonkey’ website and participants will not be required to give any personal details such as name, address or email. The data will be analysed using statistics software within a University of Southampton secure computer and will be accessible only by the immediate research team.
The results will be presented as an MSc dissertation in April 2020.
REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/LO/0407
Date of REC Opinion
11 Mar 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion