Background: The aim of this study was to determine the use of specific immunotherapy (SIT) in public and private hospitals in Catalonia (Spain) in the management of respiratory allergic diseases and opinions about this treatment through a questionnaire. SIT dosage schedules and the creation of immunotherapy units were also investigated.
Methods and results: A questionnaire containing eight items was sent by post and/or electronic mail to the heads of allergy units in 24 public and private hospitals in Catalonia.A total of 18 hospitals responded. The most commonly used route of administration was subcutaneous (89.4 %, SD 9.05) and the most widely used dosage schedule was the classical schedule (77.2 %, SD 24.9). Most of the hospitals (83.3 %) believed that immunotherapy units were an advantage but only 44 % of them believed that their creation was feasible.
Conclusions: The results of this survey identify the application of SIT in Catalonia and reveal certain features of this treatment that remain to be established such as the optimal dosage schedule and the precautions that should be followed when administering SIT.