Routing algorithm for allergic diseases

Abstract

Objective. The study aimed to develop and implement a patient routing algorithm and clinical protocols for allergic diseases (AD) at the level of primary health care (PHC) in Osh, Kyrgyz Republic, and to evaluate their effectiveness. The object of the study was the PHC system of Osh, including the Family Medicine Center, its branches, and feldsher-midwife stations. Statistical data on morbidity and healthcare utilization for 2018–2024 were analyzed. An organizational and analytical assessment of staffing and resource capacity was carried out, along with a sociological survey of 250 patients, 300 parents of children with AD, and 120 healthcare professionals. Epidemiological, organizational-analytical, sociological, and statistical methods were applied. Data were processed using SPSS Statistics 25.0 and Microsoft Excel 2016. The developed routing algorithm reduced the time from first consultation to diagnosis by 46.7%, decreased hospitalizations due to AD by 33.0%, and reduced the annual frequency of exacerbations by 34.4%. Implementation of clinical protocols (adapted from GINA, ARIA, EAACI, WAO) and educational programs for PHC doctors more than doubled their use in practice. Patient schools and educational materials significantly improved parental satisfaction with medical care, increasing from 36.0% to 78.4%. The integration of a patient routing algorithm and clinical protocols into the PHC system improved clinical, organizational, and social indicators of care for patients with allergic diseases. The proposed model complies with international standards and can be recommended for scaling to other regions of Kyrgyzstan.