Optimization of care for patients with hereditary angioedema living in rural areas

Abstract Objective People living in rural areas of the United States experience greater health inequality than individuals residing in urban or suburban locations and encounter several barriers to obtaining optimal health care. Health disparities are compounded for patients with rare diseases such as hereditary angioedema (HAE), an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by recurrent, severe abdominal pain and lifethreatening oropharyngeal/laryngeal swelling. The objective of this review is to explore the challenges of managing HAE patients in rural areas and suggest possible improvements for optimizing care. Data Sources PubMed was searched for articles on patient care management, treatment challenges, rural health, and HAE. Study Selections Relevant articles were selected and reviewed. Results Challenges in managing HAE in the rural setting were identified including obtaining a diagnosis of HAE, easy access to a physician with expertise in HAE, continuity of care, availability of telemedicine services, access to approved HAE therapies, patient education, and economic barriers to treatment. Ways to improve HAE patient care in rural areas include health care provider recognition of the undiagnosed HAE patient, development of individualized management plans, expansion of telemedicine, effective care at the local level, appropriate access to HAE medication, and increased awareness of patient support and advocacy groups. Conclusion For HAE patients living in rural areas, optimal care is complicated by health disparities. Given the scarcity with which these topics have been covered in the literature to date, it is intended that this article will serve as the impetus for a range of further initiatives focused on improving access to care.