Article PDF first page preview

First page of Impact of an interdisciplinary approach to the management of refractory dyspnoea on patient quality of life by a non-palliative respiratory care team: a pilot study.

Introduction: Refractory dyspnoea is a common symptom of chronic respiratory disease, often poorly recognized by healthcare professionals. Pharmacological treatments are of limited effectiveness. A multidisciplinary intervention carried out by a specialized palliative care team has demonstrated its effectiveness in helping patients improve their quality of life. Objective: The aim of this pilot study was to verify the effects of a multidisciplinary intervention carried out by a team not specialized in palliative care (physician, psychologist, physiotherapist, social worker, dietician). Methods: A longitudinal, single-arm interventional study was conducted between February 2019 and May 2022. All consecutive patients with refractory dyspnoea - referred by a pulmonologist - had a non-pharmacological paramedical intervention (ventilatory education, mindfulness meditation, respiratory rehabilitation, psychological and dietary support, etc.) tailored to their situation after an initial interview. The primary endpoint was the evolution of the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) before and after the intervention. Results: Fifty-eight patients were referred; 56 patients underwent the intervention. Patients were comparable to previous studies on the basis of LCADL and ESAS scores. The CRQ increased from 4.7 ± 1.5 to 6.2 ± 1.5 pre- and post-intervention overall (P<0.001), with a significant change in all sub-items (fatigue, dyspnoea, emotional function, control). Conclusion: A non-specialized multidisciplinary palliative care team can help patients with refractory dyspnoea improve their quality of life.

Journal Section:
Clinical Investigations
This content is only available via PDF.
S. Karger AG, Basel
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
2025
You do not currently have access to this content.