PWE-057 Does Restriction of Gluten-Free Prescription Foods Affect People with Coeliac Disease?

Abstract

Introduction A gluten-free diet (GFD) is the mainstay of treatment for coeliac disease (CD). Since the late 1960 s prescriptions for gluten-free foods have been widely available, helping CD patients maintain dietary adherence and reduce complications. In Scotland and Wales GF foods are widely prescribed in accordance with the National Prescribing Guidelines. In England however, whilst the vast majority of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) are following this guidance some have chosen not to. This has lead to the reduction or removal of prescriptions in certain parts of England. This cohort study examines the influence restriction or removal of GF prescriptions may have on CD patients. Methods Between September and October 2015, CD patients and carers of CD patients were approached from 4 differing CCG areas (North Norfolk, West Suffolk, Oxfordshire, Vale of York). These CCG areas were specifically selected as areas where CCGs had either restricted or removed GF prescriptions. All participants were asked to complete an online questionnaire, with information requested pertaining to prescriptions, availability of GF foods, costs incurred and what influence changes to prescriptions have had on health. Findings from this work were then compared to a previous study assessing primary care trusts, undertaken in 2013 (n = 1000).1 Statistical analyses was performed using SPSS version 20.0, with X2 statistics used to compare categorical data. Results 25.0% (894/3586) of invited individuals completed the online questionnaire (632 F: 262 M, mean age of 59.2 years). Compared to the 2013 cohort, there was a significant reduction in the number of patients receiving gluten-free prescriptions (63% versus 70%, p Conclusion Although this study is confined to only 2% (4/209) of all CCGs in England, it raises concerns as to how the restriction and removal of gluten-free prescriptions can affect patients with CD. Given these findings, further work should now aim to establish whether prescription restriction is a false economy, as detriment may ensue due to poor dietary adherence and the development of serious long-term complications. Reference 1 The impact of the restrictions to gluten-free prescription foods on people with Coeliac Disease. BSNA. 2013. Disclosure of Interest None Declared