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Kauppi W, Axelsson C, Herlitz J, Jiménez-Herrera MF, Palmér L. Patients' lived experiences of breathlessness prior to prehospital care - A phenomenological study. Nurs Open 2022; 9:2179-2189. [PMID: 35606842 PMCID: PMC9190685 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims and objectives The study aimed to describe how breathlessness is experienced by patients prior to prehospital care. Design A qualitative phenomenological design. Methods Lifeworld interviews were conducted with 14 participants. The analysis was carried out within the descriptive phenomenological framework. Results The essential meaning of the breathlessness phenomenon is described as an existential fear in terms of losing control over one’s body and dying, which involves a battle to try to regain control. This is further described by four constituents: being in an unknown body, striving to handle the situation, the ambiguity of having loved ones close and reaching the utmost border. Conclusions Patients describe a battling for survival. It is at the extreme limit of endurance that patients finally choose to call the emergency number. It is a challenge for the ambulance clinician (AC) to support these patients in the most optimal fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wivica Kauppi
- Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden.,PreHospen- Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - Christer Axelsson
- Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden.,PreHospen- Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden.,Emergency Medical Service (EMS), Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johan Herlitz
- Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden.,PreHospen- Centre for Prehospital Research, Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | | | - Lina Palmér
- Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
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Luckett T, Roberts M, Smith T, Garcia M, Dunn S, Swan F, Ferguson C, Kochovska S, Phillips JL, Pearson M, Currow DC, Johnson MJ. Implementing the battery-operated hand-held fan as an evidence-based, non-pharmacological intervention for chronic breathlessness in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a qualitative study of the views of specialist respiratory clinicians. BMC Pulm Med 2022; 22:129. [PMID: 35387636 PMCID: PMC8985391 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-022-01925-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The battery-operated hand-held fan (‘fan’) is an inexpensive and portable non-pharmacological intervention for chronic breathlessness. Evidence from randomised controlled trials suggests the fan reduces breathlessness intensity and improves physical activity in patients with a range of advanced chronic conditions. Qualitative data from these trials suggests the fan may also reduce anxiety and improve daily functioning for many patients. This study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators to the fan’s implementation in specialist respiratory care as a non-pharmacological intervention for chronic breathlessness in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods A qualitative approach was taken, using focus groups. Participants were clinicians from any discipline working in specialist respiratory care at two hospitals. Questions asked about current fan-related practice and perceptions regarding benefits, harms and mechanisms, and factors influencing its implementation. Analysis used a mixed inductive/deductive approach. Results Forty-nine participants from nursing (n = 30), medical (n = 13) and allied health (n = 6) disciplines participated across 9 focus groups. The most influential facilitator was a belief that the fan’s benefits outweighed disadvantages. Clinicians’ beliefs about the fan’s mechanisms determined which patient sub-groups they targeted, for example anxious or palliative/end-stage patients. Barriers to implementation included a lack of clarity about whose role it was to implement the fan, what advice to provide patients, and limited access to fans in hospitals. Few clinicians implemented the fan for acute-on-chronic breathlessness or in combination with other interventions. Conclusion Implementation of the fan in specialist respiratory care may require service- and clinician-level interventions to ensure it is routinely recommended as a first-line intervention for chronic breathlessness in patients for whom this symptom is of concern, regardless of COPD stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Luckett
- IMPACCT (Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care Through Clinical Research and Translation), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Building 10, Level 3, 235 Jones St, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia.
| | - Mary Roberts
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Ludwig Engel Centre for Respiratory Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tracy Smith
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Maja Garcia
- IMPACCT (Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care Through Clinical Research and Translation), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Building 10, Level 3, 235 Jones St, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Sarah Dunn
- Respiratory Medicine Clinic, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Flavia Swan
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Kingston Upon Hull, Yorkshire, UK
| | - Caleb Ferguson
- Western Sydney Nursing & Midwifery Research Centre, Blacktown Clinical & Research School, Western Sydney Local Health District, Western Sydney University, Blacktown Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Slavica Kochovska
- IMPACCT (Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care Through Clinical Research and Translation), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Building 10, Level 3, 235 Jones St, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Jane L Phillips
- IMPACCT (Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care Through Clinical Research and Translation), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Building 10, Level 3, 235 Jones St, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia.,School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Mark Pearson
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Kingston Upon Hull, Yorkshire, UK
| | - David C Currow
- IMPACCT (Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care Through Clinical Research and Translation), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Building 10, Level 3, 235 Jones St, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia.,Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Kingston Upon Hull, Yorkshire, UK
| | - Miriam J Johnson
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Kingston Upon Hull, Yorkshire, UK
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Currow DC, Chang S, Ekström M, Hutchinson A, Luckett T, Kochovska S, Hay P, Touyz S, Dal Grande E, Johnson MJ. Health service utilisation associated with chronic breathlessness: random population sample. ERJ Open Res 2021; 7:00415-2021. [PMID: 34651042 PMCID: PMC8503326 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00415-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most health service utilisation studies are of people with specific diagnoses or demographic characteristics, and rarely of specific chronic symptoms. The aim of this study was to establish whether population-level health service utilisation increases in people with chronic breathlessness. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis was carried out of the South Australian Health Omnibus Survey 2017, a multi-stage, clustered area, systematic sampling survey of adults where questions are administered face-to-face in respondents' homes. Self-report of health service utilisation in the previous 3 months (medical consultations, emergency department, hospital admission), chronic breathlessness (severity, duration, modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) breathlessness scale) and demographic data were used to predict self-reported health service utilisation. RESULTS A total of 2898 people were included (49.0% male; median age 48.0 years (IQR 32.0-63.0); 64.1% educated beyond school; 55.4% in work; 73.5% had outpatient contact; 6.3% had a hospital admission in the previous 3 months). Chronic breathlessness (mMRC ≥1) was reported by 8.8% of respondents. In bivariable analyses, people with greater contact with health services were older, and a higher proportion were overweight/obese and had more severe chronic breathlessness. In multivariable analyses, chronic breathlessness and older age were positively associated with outpatient care and inpatient care, and people with chronic breathlessness were hospitalised for longer (incidence rate ratio 2.5; 95% CI 1.4-4.5). CONCLUSION There is a significant association between worse chronic breathlessness and increased health service utilisation. There is a need for greater understanding of factors that initiate contact with health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C. Currow
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Sungwon Chang
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Magnus Ekström
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
- Dept of Clinical Sciences, Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ann Hutchinson
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Tim Luckett
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Slavica Kochovska
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Phillipa Hay
- Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith South, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen Touyz
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Miriam J. Johnson
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
- Dept of Clinical Sciences, Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Lewthwaite H, Jensen D, Ekström M. How to Assess Breathlessness in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2021; 16:1581-1598. [PMID: 34113091 PMCID: PMC8184148 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s277523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Activity-related breathlessness is the most problematic symptom of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), arising from complex interactions between peripheral pathophysiology (both pulmonary and non-pulmonary) and central perceptual processing. To capture information on the breathlessness experienced by people with COPD, many different instruments exist, which vary in applicability depending on the purpose and context of assessment. We reviewed common breathlessness assessment instruments, providing recommendations around how to assess the severity of, or change in, breathlessness in people with COPD in daily life or in response to exercise provocation. A summary of 14 instruments for the assessment of breathlessness severity in daily life is presented, with 11/14 (79%) instruments having established minimal clinically importance differences (MCIDs) to assess and interpret breathlessness change. Instruments varied in their scope of assessment (functional impact of breathlessness or the severity of breathlessness during different activities, focal periods, or alongside other common COPD symptoms), dimensions of breathlessness assessed (uni-/multidimensional), rating scale properties and intended method of administration (self-administered versus interviewer led). Assessing breathlessness in response to an acute exercise provocation overcomes some limitations of daily life assessment, such as recall bias and lack of standardized exertional stimulus. To assess the severity of breathlessness in response to an acute exercise provocation, unidimensional or multidimensional instruments are available. Borg's 0-10 category rating scale is the most widely used instrument and has estimates for a MCID during exercise. When assessing the severity of breathlessness during exercise, measures should be taken at a standardized submaximal point, whether during laboratory-based tests like cardiopulmonary exercise testing or field-based tests, such as the 3-min constant rate stair stepping or shuttle walking tests. Recommendations are provided around which instruments to use for breathlessness assessment in daily life and in relation to exertion in people with COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley Lewthwaite
- School of Environmental & Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, Australia
- UniSA: Allied Health and Human Performance, Innovation, Implementation and Clinical Translation in Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Dennis Jensen
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Research Centre for Physical Activity and Health, Faculty of Education, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Magnus Ekström
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Speakman L, Butcher D, Schutz S. Bearing witness to the challenges of breathlessness. Br J Community Nurs 2021; 26:162-166. [PMID: 33797966 DOI: 10.12968/bjcn.2021.26.4.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The community respiratory nurse specialist (CRNS) supports patients at different stages of lung disease, witnessing the challenge of living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive illness for which there is no cure. Breathlessness is the most prominent and debilitating symptom experienced; it is frightening, distressing and very difficult to manage. Little is known about the experience of CRNSs in witnessing the distress of patients, specifically those experiencing breathlessness. The nurse may have cared for such patients over many months or years. In witnessing this distress, CRNSs engage in emotional labour, which is associated with burnout and poor-quality care. This paper seeks to identify bearing witness to suffering and vulnerability as components of emotional labour in the context of the CRNS role. It highlights the need for research to explore the experience of CRNSs and insights into supporting people with long-term breathlessness. It is more likely that well-supported staff can provide sustained, supportive care to patients living with breathlessness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Speakman
- Community Respiratory and Home Oxygen Nurse Specialist, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust/Professional Doctorate Student, Oxford Brookes University
| | - Dan Butcher
- Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing, Oxford Brookes University
| | - Sue Schutz
- Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing, Oxford Brookes University
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