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Kochovska S, Ferreira D, Chang S, Brunelli V, Morgan D, Similowski T, Johnson M, Ekström M, Currow D. Disability and long-term breathlessness: a cross-sectional, population study. BMJ Open Respir Res 2024; 11:e002029. [PMID: 39038915 PMCID: PMC11268077 DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2023-002029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Disability, resulting from altered interactions between individuals and their environment, is a worldwide issue causing inequities and suffering. Many diseases associated with breathlessness cause disability but the relationship between disability and the severity of breathlessness itself is unknown.This study evaluated associations between disability using the WHO's Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0 and levels of long-term breathlessness limiting exertion. METHODS This population-based, cross-sectional online survey (n=10 033) reflected the most recent national census (2016) by age, sex, state/territory of residence and rurality. Assessments included self-reported disability (WHODAS 2.0 12-item (range 12 (no disability) to 60 (most severe disability)) assessed in 6 domains) and long-term breathlessness limiting exertion (modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) breathlessness scale; 0-4 (4-most severe)). Days in the last month affected by breathlessness were reported. RESULTS Of respondents (52% women; mean age 45), mean total disability score was 20.9 (SD 9.5). 42% (n=4245) had mMRC >0 (mMRC1 31% (n=3139); mMRC2 8% (n=806); mMRC3,4 3% (n=300)). Every level of long-term breathlessness limiting exertion was associated with greater levels of disability (total p <0.001; each domain p <0.001). The most compromised domains were Mobility and Participation.In the last 30 days, people with severe breathlessness (mMRC 3-4): experienced disability (20 days); reduced activities/work (10 days); and completely forwent activities (another 5 days). CONCLUSIONS Disability should be in the definition of persistent breathlessness as it is systematically associated with long-term breathlessness limiting exertion in a grade-dependent, multidimensional manner. Disability should be assessed in people with long-term breathlessness to optimise their social well-being and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slavica Kochovska
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Diana Ferreira
- University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Sungwon Chang
- University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Vanessa Brunelli
- University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Deidre Morgan
- Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Thomas Similowski
- service de pneumologie département R3S, Hopital Pitie-Salpetriere, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Miriam Johnson
- Hull York Medical School, The University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Magnus Ekström
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Lund, Sweden
| | - David Currow
- University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
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Kochovska S, Ferreira D, Chang S, Luckett T, Roydhouse J, Ekström M, Currow DC. Caregiver burden due to long-term breathlessness: a hypothesis-generating study. Eur Respir J 2024; 64:2302292. [PMID: 38901885 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02292-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Slavica Kochovska
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
- Joint first authors
| | - Diana Ferreira
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
- Joint first authors
| | - Sungwon Chang
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Tim Luckett
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Jessica Roydhouse
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Magnus Ekström
- Lund University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Lund, Sweden
| | - David C Currow
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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Kochovska S, Iyer R, Chang S, Ferreira D, Brunelli VN, Kinchin I, Eckert DJ, Clark J, Sandberg J, Ekström M, Currow D, Rajan S. Prevalence, severity and impacts of breathlessness in Indian adults: An exploratory, nationally representative, cross-sectional online survey. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002655. [PMID: 38696528 PMCID: PMC11065295 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
There are no known estimates of the prevalence, severity and impacts from breathlessness in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to explore the prevalence, severity, self-attributed underlying conditions and impacts of breathlessness limiting exertion in community-dwelling adults in India. This exploratory, population-based online survey recruited a pre-planned sample of 3,000 adult respondents stratified by age, sex and rurality (quotas as per the 2011 Indian National Census). Measures included: demographics; breathlessness limiting exertion (modified Medical Research [mMRC] scale); health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L); and disability (World Health Organisation's Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 12-item questionnaire [WHODAS-12]). Respondents (n = 3,046) had a mean age of 38 years (SD 15); 57% were male, 59% lived in rural areas and 33% had completed 12th grade. Breathlessness limiting exertion (mMRC ≥1) was reported by 44%, mostly attributed to poor nutrition (28%), lung conditions excluding tuberculosis (17%) or anaemia (13%). Compared to those without breathlessness, a higher proportion of people with breathlessness (mMRC ≥1) reported problems across all EQ-5D-5L dimensions. Most people reporting breathlessness (81%) indicated the symptom had adversely affected their normal activities. Disability scores (WHODAS-12 total and individual domains) increased as breathlessness worsened. To conclude, in India, conservative estimates indicate 626 million people live with breathlessness of whom 52 million people live with severe breathlessness. The symptom is associated with poorer health-related quality of life and marked disability, including reduced ability to perform daily activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slavica Kochovska
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rajam Iyer
- P.D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sungwon Chang
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Diana Ferreira
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Vanessa N. Brunelli
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Irina Kinchin
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Discipline of Public Health & Primary Care, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Danny J. Eckert
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Joseph Clark
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull University, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Jacob Sandberg
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Magnus Ekström
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - David Currow
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sujeet Rajan
- Bombay Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Clark J, Salins N, Pearson M, Spathis A, Currow DC, Williams S, Johnson M. BREATHLEssness in INDIA (BREATHE-INDIA)-Study protocol for the co-design of a community breathlessness intervention in India using realist methods and intervention mapping. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293918. [PMID: 37917762 PMCID: PMC10621994 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breathlessness that persists despite treatment of causal disease(s) is disabling, associated with high therapy-related costs and poor socioeconomic outcomes. Low resource countries bear a disproportionate burden of respiratory problems, often characterised by disabling breathlessness. Low-cost self-management breathlessness-targeted interventions are effective and deliverable in community settings but have been developed in high-income countries. We aim to understand how breathlessness self-management works in 'real life' populations and cultural contexts, to develop programme theory and co-design a prototype intervention to improve persistent breathlessness management in India. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Using a Realist approach, Intervention Mapping and the Medical Research Council Complex Intervention Framework we will undertake two phases of work supported by our Expert Group (of respiratory, primary, palliative care physicians) and key stakeholder groups (opinion leader clinicians, community health workers and people with lived experiences of breathlessness). 1) Realist review and evaluation to identify and refine evidence and theory for breathlessness self-management, producing intervention and implementation programme theory. We will identify literature through our Expert Group, scoping searches and systematic searches (Medline, Ebscohost, CINAHL, Scopus, Psychinfo). We will map intervention components to 'what works, for whom, and where.' 2) Intervention development using Intervention Mapping to map intervention and implementation programme theory to intervention components, develop materials to support intervention delivery, and co-design a prototype educational intervention ready for early acceptability and delivery-feasibility testing and evaluation planning in India. Use of stakeholder groups is to allow people with experience of breathlessness and/or its management to contribute their views on content developed by our team based upon review of secondary data sources. Experts and Stakeholders are therefore not research subjects but are included as extended members of the study team and will not follow informed consent procedures. Experts and stakeholders will be acknowledge in outputs arising from our project if they wish to be. Our review conduct will be consistent with RAMESES quality standards. DISCUSSION At the conclusion of our study, we will have co-designed a breathlessness intervention for use in the community setting in India ready for further evaluation of: effectiveness, socioeconomic outcomes, acceptability and transferability to other low resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Clark
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Naveen Salins
- Department of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care, Kasturba Medical College Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Mark Pearson
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Spathis
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - David C. Currow
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Siân Williams
- Joint Chief Executive Officer, International Primary Care Respiratory Group, London, United Kingdom
| | - Miriam Johnson
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
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Müller A, Mraz T, Wouters EF, van Kuijk SM, Amaral AF, Breyer-Kohansal R, Breyer MK, Hartl S, Janssen DJ. Prevalence of dyspnea in general adult populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Respir Med 2023; 218:107379. [PMID: 37595674 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2023.107379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dyspnea is a commonly described symptom in various chronic and acute conditions. Despite its frequency, relatively little is known about the prevalence and assessment of dyspnea in general populations. The aims of this review were: 1) to estimate the prevalence of dyspnea in general adult populations; 2) to identify associated factors; and 3) to identify used methods for dyspnea assessment. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and JAMA network. Records were screened by two independent reviewers and quality was assessed by using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for risk of bias in prevalence studies. Multi-level meta-analysis was performed to estimate pooled prevalence. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021275499). RESULTS Twenty original articles, all from studies in high-income countries, met the criteria for inclusion. Overall, their quality was good. Pooled prevalence of dyspnea in general adult populations based on 11 studies was 10% (95% CI 7, 15), but heterogeneity across studies was high. The most frequently reported risk factors were increasing age, female sex, higher BMI and respiratory or cardiac disease. The MRC or the modified MRC scale was the most used tool to assess dyspnea in general populations. CONCLUSIONS Dyspnea is a common symptom in adults in high-income countries. However, the high heterogeneity across studies and the lack of data from low- and middle-income countries limit the generalizability of our findings. Therefore, more research is needed to unveil the prevalence of dyspnea and its main risk factors in general populations around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Müller
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Health, Sanatoriumstrasse 2, 1140, Vienna, Austria; Care and Public Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Tobias Mraz
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Health, Sanatoriumstrasse 2, 1140, Vienna, Austria; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Clinic Penzing, Vienna Healthcare Group, Sanatoriumstrasse 2, 1140, Vienna, Austria
| | - Emiel Fm Wouters
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Health, Sanatoriumstrasse 2, 1140, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sander Mj van Kuijk
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Peter Debyeplein 1, 6229 HA, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - André Fs Amaral
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, 1B Manresa Road, London, SW3 6LR, UK; NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, The Bays, Entrance 2, South Wharf Road, St. Mary's Hospital, London, W2 1NY, UK
| | - Robab Breyer-Kohansal
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Health, Sanatoriumstrasse 2, 1140, Vienna, Austria; Department of Respiratory and Pulmonary Diseases, Clinic Hietzing, Vienna Healthcare Group, Wolkersbergenstrasse 1, 1130, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marie-Kathrin Breyer
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Health, Sanatoriumstrasse 2, 1140, Vienna, Austria; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Clinic Penzing, Vienna Healthcare Group, Sanatoriumstrasse 2, 1140, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sylvia Hartl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Health, Sanatoriumstrasse 2, 1140, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daisy Ja Janssen
- Department of Health Services Research and Department of Family Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Research & Development, Ciro, Hornerheide 1, 6085 NM, Horn, the Netherlands
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Ferreira DH, Kochovska S, McNeill R, Currow DC. Current pharmacological strategies for symptomatic reduction of persistent breathlessness - a literature review. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:233-244. [PMID: 36525673 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2160239] [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: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Persistent breathlessness is a debilitating symptom that is prevalent in the community, particularly in people with chronic and life-limiting illnesses. Treatment includes different steps, including pharmacological treatment aiming to improve the symptom and optimize people's wellbeing. AREAS COVERED PubMed and Google Scholar were screened using 'chronic breathlessness' OR 'persistent breathlessness,' AND 'pharmacological treatment,' OR 'opioids.' This review focuses on pharmacological treatments to reduce persistent breathlessness and discusses possible mechanisms involved in the process of breathlessness reduction through pharmacotherapy. Research gaps in the field of persistent breathlessness research are outlined, and future research directions are suggested. EXPERT OPINION Regular, low-dose (≤30 mg/day), sustained-release morphine is recommended as the first-line pharmacological treatment for persistent breathlessness. Inter-individual variation in response needs to be investigated in future studies in order to optimize clinical outcomes. This includes 1) better understanding the centrally mediated mechanisms associated with persisting breathlessness and response to pharmacological therapies, 2) understanding benefit from the perspective of people experiencing persistent breathlessness, small and meaningful gains in physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana H Ferreira
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, 2522, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Slavica Kochovska
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, 2522, Wollongong, Australia.,IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, 2007, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Richard McNeill
- Department of palliative care, Nurse Maude Hospice, 8014, Christchurch, New Zealand.,Department of Medicine, University of Otago, 8011, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - David C Currow
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, 2522, Wollongong, Australia
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Kochovska S, Currow D, Chang S, Johnson M, Ferreira D, Morgan D, Olsson M, Ekström M. Persisting breathlessness and activities reduced or ceased: a population study in older men. BMJ Open Respir Res 2022; 9:9/1/e001168. [PMID: 35606021 PMCID: PMC9125752 DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2021-001168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Breathlessness is debilitating and increases in prevalence with age, with people progressively reducing their everyday activities to ‘self-manage’ it. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of breathlessness on function in terms of activities that have been reduced or ceased (‘compromised’) in older men. Methods A cross-sectional postal survey of Swedish 73-year-old man in the VAScular and Chronic Obstructive Lung disease study self-reporting on demographics, breathlessness (modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale, Dyspnoea-12, Multidimensional Dyspnea Scale) and its duration, anxiety/depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), performance status (WHO Performance Status), everyday activities reduced/ceased and exertion. Results 148/828 (17.9%) respondents reported breathlessness (mMRC >2), of whom 51.9% had reduced/ceased activities compared with 9.6% who did not. Physical activity was the most common activity reduced/ceased (48.0%) followed by sexual activity (41.2%) and social activities (37.8%). Of 16.0% of respondents with mMRC 3–4 talking on the phone was affected compared with only 2.9% of respondents with mMRC 2. Worsening breathlessness was associated with increasingly sedentary lifestyles and more limited function, those reporting reduced/ceased activities had an associated increase in reporting anxiety and depression. In adjusted analyses, breathlessness was associated with increased likelihood of activities being ceased overall as well as physical and sexual activities being affected separately. Conclusion Worsening breathlessness was associated with decreasing levels of self-reported physical activity, sexual activity and function. Overall, the study showed that people with persisting breathlessness modify their lifestyle to avoid it by reducing or ceasing a range of activities, seeking to minimise their exposure to the symptom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slavica Kochovska
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Currow
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sungwon Chang
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Miriam Johnson
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Diana Ferreira
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Deidre Morgan
- Palliative and Supportive Services, RePaDD, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Max Olsson
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Magnus Ekström
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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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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Olsson M, Engström G, Currow DC, Johnson M, Sandberg J, Ekström MP. VAScular and Chronic Obstructive Lung disease (VASCOL): a longitudinal study on morbidity, symptoms and quality of life among older men in Blekinge county, Sweden. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e046473. [PMID: 34312196 PMCID: PMC8314706 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite data showing breathlessness to be more prevalent in older adults, we have little detail about the severity or multidimensional characteristics of breathlessness and other self-reported measures (such as quality of life and other cardiorespiratory-related symptoms) in this group at the population level. We also know little about the relationship between multidimensional breathlessness, other symptoms, comorbidities and future clinical outcomes such as quality of life, hospitalisation and mortality. This paper reports the design and descriptive findings from the first two waves of a longitudinal prospective cohort study in older adults. PARTICIPANTS Between 2010 and 2011, 1900 men in a region in southern Sweden aged 65 years were invited to attend for VAScular and Chronic Obstructive Lung disease (VASCOL) baseline (Wave 1) assessments which included physiological measurements, blood sampling and a self-report survey of lifestyle and previous medical conditions. In 2019, follow-up postal survey data (Wave 2) were collected with additional self-report measures for breathlessness, other symptoms and quality of life. At each wave, data are cross-linked with nationwide Swedish registry data of diseases, treatment, hospitalisation and cause of death. FINDINGS TO DATE 1302/1900 (68%) of invited men participated in Wave 1, which include 56% of all 65-year-old men in the region. 5% reported asthma, 2% chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 56% hypertension, 10% diabetes and 19% had airflow limitation. The VASCOL cohort had comparable characteristics to those of similarly aged men in Sweden. By 2019, 109/1302 (8.4%) had died. 907/1193 (76%) of the remainder participated in Wave 2. Internal data completeness of 95% or more was achieved for most Wave 2 measures. FUTURE PLANS A third wave will be conducted within 4 years, and the cohort will be followed through repeated follow-ups planned every fourth year, as well as national registry data of diagnosis, treatments and cause of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Olsson
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Engström
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - David C Currow
- Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, IMPACCT, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Miriam Johnson
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Jacob Sandberg
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Magnus Per Ekström
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Kochovska S, Ferreira DH, Garcia MV, Phillips JL, Currow DC. Perspectives on palliative oxygen for breathlessness: systematic review and meta-synthesis. Eur Respir J 2021; 58:13993003.04613-2020. [PMID: 33653807 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.04613-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Oxygen therapy is frequently prescribed for the palliation of breathlessness, despite lack of evidence for its effectiveness in people who are not hypoxaemic. This study aimed to compare and contrast patients', caregivers' and clinicians' experiences of palliative oxygen use for the relief of chronic breathlessness in people with advanced life-limiting illnesses, and how this shapes prescribing.A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative data was conducted. MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched for peer-reviewed studies in English (2000-April 2019) reporting perspectives on palliative oxygen use for reducing breathlessness in people with advanced illnesses in any healthcare setting. After data extraction, thematic synthesis used line-by-line coding of raw data (quotes) to generate descriptive and analytical themes.Of 457 articles identified, 22 met the inclusion criteria by reporting perspectives of patients (n=337), caregivers (n=91) or clinicians (n=616). Themes common to these perspectives were: 1) benefits and burdens of palliative oxygen use, 2) knowledge and perceptions of palliative oxygen use beyond the guidelines, and 3) longitudinal trajectories of palliative oxygen use.There are differing perceptions regarding the benefits and burdens of using palliative oxygen. Clinicians should be aware that oxygen use may generate differing goals of therapy for patients and caregivers. These perceptions should be taken into consideration when prescribing oxygen for the symptomatic relief of chronic breathlessness in patients who do not quality for long-term oxygen therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slavica Kochovska
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,These authors are joint first authors
| | - Diana H Ferreira
- Palliative and Supportive Services, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.,These authors are joint first authors
| | - Maja V Garcia
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jane L Phillips
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - David C Currow
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia .,Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, University of Hull, Hull, UK
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