Allergic diseases are some of the most prevalent long-term conditions worldwide. Around one in three will have allergic symptoms at some point in their lives, the most common conditions being atopic eczema, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. However, quality of care for many of these patients is poor, with limited access to specialist care. Undergraduate or postgraduate training for GPs, who diagnose and manage most patients with allergic problems, is deficient. The problem is further compounded by a limited evidence base for the management of many of the conditions, possibly a reflection of the lack of a strong body of researchers focusing on applied research relevant to primary care.

The aim of the group is to promote research into the diagnosis and management of the allergy in primary care. The objectives are:

• To identify researchers with past, current or future interest in conducting primary care-based allergy research.
• To provide networking opportunities for primary care-based researchers, and for/with researchers based in specialist settings, with an interest in improving the primary care allergy evidence base.
• To provide an informal forum for the generation of ideas and discussion of research proposals – either through face-to-face or on-line discussion groups through a managed membership list.
• To encourage collaboration and successful application by members across different departments for funding of primary care-based allergy research.

Useful Links:

• Centre for Applied Excellence in Skin and Allergy Research (CAESAR)