RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Severe COPD and the transition to a palliative approach
JF Breathe
JO Breathe
FD European Respiratory Society
SP 310
OP 316
DO 10.1183/20734735.013917
VO 13
IS 4
A1 Amanda Landers
A1 Rachel Wiseman
A1 Suzanne Pitama
A1 Lutz Beckert
YR 2017
UL http://breathe.ersjournals.com/content/13/4/310.abstract
AB Patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a chaotic trajectory towards death. Research has focused on identifying a “transition point” that would allow identification of those patients who may benefit from a palliative approach to their care, or referral to a specialist palliative care service. This article aims to outline difficulties in identifying this transition point, summarise current literature on this topic and suggests a model based on clinical milestones.Educational aimsTo outline the difficulties associated with identifying patients with severe COPD who are at risk of dying.To summarise current research on this topic.Key pointsA specific transition point is difficult to identify in severe COPD.Tools are available that may assist the physician in identifying those at risk of dying.It is essential that the patient voice is heard, patients can describe specific events that may be used as a “trigger” for a palliative approach.Specialist palliative care services may only be required for a subgroup of patients whose needs cannot be managed by the primary care team.Patient voice and experiences have started to change the delivery of palliative care in severe COPD http://ow.ly/m4GU30fquoS