Week 3 Updates
Saren S -
Hi everyone!
This week, I’ve focused on speaking directly with patients and staff at the allergy clinic to gain more insight into the emotional and financial burden of managing severe allergies. Rather than just observing, I’ve had the opportunity to engage in conversations with patients about their experiences accessing Epipens. Many have shared frustrations about high costs, insurance roadblocks, and the anxiety of not always having a backup injector due to price constraints. Hearing these firsthand accounts has reinforced the importance of my research and helped me refine the direction of my survey.
A big part of this week has also been shadowing at my site placement at the allergy clinic. I’ve been observing patient consultations, learning about how allergists diagnose and treat severe allergies, and understanding the process of prescribing EpiPens and other emergency medications. One of the most eye-opening experiences has been watching skin-prick tests and seeing firsthand how patients react to certain allergens. I’ve also noticed how much time doctors spend navigating insurance policies with patients, trying to find ways to make their medications more affordable. The clinic staff has been incredibly helpful in explaining the challenges they face, from prior authorization delays to patients having to switch medications due to cost. Beyond the financial aspects, I’ve also gained insight into the emotional toll severe allergies take on patients—especially parents of young children who constantly worry about accidental exposures. Shadowing in this environment has given me a clearer picture of how deeply the stress of affording life-saving medications affects individuals and families.
Thank you all for reading!
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