From pilot to practice (a scoping review): Embedding shared care models in allergy across Australian healthcare settings

Background:Allergic disease imposes a growing burden on Australia's healthcare system. Rising prevalence affects one in five people, increasing emergency presentations and prolonging specialist wait times. Access to timely allergy diagnosis and management remains inequitable, particularly in regional, rural, and remote areas. Shared care models distribute knowledge and care across primary, community, and specialist settings while maintaining quality standards. Synthesis of global allergic disease evidence has not specifically focused on shared care models and implementation outcomes.Objective:To synthesise available evidence on shared care models for allergic disease and identify strategies to strengthen Australian healthcare initiatives and improve health and wellbeing outcomes. Methods:A scoping review (2013–2024) was conducted across PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase, following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Included studies implemented a shared care framework for allergic disease between primary and specialist care and evaluated implementation and wellbeing outcomes. Study characteristics and implementation data were synthesised descriptively and narratively, and visually mapped. Ethics approval, critical appraisal, and meta-analysis were not undertaken.Results:Of 7,407 records screened, 12 studies met inclusion criteria. Five studies from Australia featured general practitioner- and paediatrician-led clinics, nurses-led eczema education, and digital triage innovations. Outcomes included wait time reductions, improved patient satisfaction, and maintained safety outcomes. Cost-comparable analysis was limited. Implementation enablers included structured protocols, digital platforms, and provider training. Barriers included funding constraints, workforce shortages, and fragmented digital infrastructure.Conclusion:This scoping review is the first to synthesise global evidence for shared care models implemented specifically for allergic disease. Notable is Australia’s development and implementation advancements of shared care models. Sustainable investment in digital-health infrastructure, equitable care, and standardised evaluation is crucial to success. Embedding shared care models within national strategies presents a promising opportunity to achieve scalable, and population-relevant care across diverse healthcare settings.