Current opinion in supportive and palliative care;
Sep 2016; vol. 103) 228-235
Booth, Sara; Ryan, Richella; Spathis, Anna
The review considers the evidence for different
service models existing for helping people manage the chronic, irreversible
breathlessness that accompanies advanced disease. Randomized controlled
trial evidence confirms that a complex intervention for breathlessness can
improve quality of life, reduce symptom impact, and support carers. Some
preliminary data suggest prognosis improvement in some people. Integrated care
is needed for both rapidly progressive disease, where death is inevitable, and
chronic illness, when health improvement is possible.