Acupuncture therapy improves health-related quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2019 35 (May) p. 208-218
Po-Chun Hsieh; Mei-ChenYang; Yao-Kuang Wu; et al

The conclusions of this review are that body acupuncture therapy is an effective adjunctive non-pharmacological treatment to improve HRQL in patients under medical treatment for COPD. The authors suggest that BAT should be considered as one of the methods of management in patients with COPD.

Palliative and end-of-life care for adults with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a rapid review focusing on patient and family caregiver perspectives

Current opinion in supportive and palliative care; Dec 2017; vol. 11 (no. 4); p. 315-327 Mathews, Gillian; Johnston, Bridget

The review identified areas of unmet need across physical, psychosocial and spiritual domains, particularly in relation to appropriate and timely conversations.  There have been positive developments in the care and treatment of COPD and some evidence about the use of technology in end-stage COPD.

Barriers and facilitators to end-of-life communication in advanced chronic organ failure

International Journal of Palliative Nursing, May 2016, vol. 22, no. 5, p. 222-229

Van den Heuvel, Liza Amc, Spruit, Martijn A, Schols, Jos Mga, Hoving, Ciska, Wouters, Emiel Fm, Janssen, Daisy Ja

The results of this quantitative, cross-sectional study suggest that the most important barriers for family caregivers were related to uncertainty about expected care and focus on staying alive instead of dying. The facilitators were related to trust in and competence of their physician and earlier experiences with death in their (social) environment. For most barriers and facilitators, agreement between patients and family caregivers was fair to moderate, suggesting an individual approach is needed to improve communication at the end of life.

Available in print in Arthur Rank Hospice, Brookfields Hospital

A palliative care outreach programme for patients with respiratory disease

European Journal of Palliative Care, May/June 2015, 22 (3) 126-9

Lisa Makey and Andrew Hiskett

Keech Hospice Care initiated an outreach programme aimed at helping patients with chronic lung disease to access palliative care. Lisa Makey and Andrew Hiskett show how it has improved patients’ quality of life and reduced their fear of engaging with hospices. Although this programme focused on respiratory disease, the results indicate that the management of any non-malignant condition could be optimised by the introduction of similar programmes.

Available in print in Arthur Rank House Library, Brookfields Hospital

Breathlessness, functional status, distress, and palliative care needs over time in patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or lung cancer: a cohort study

Journal of Pain & Symptom Management, October 2014, vol./is. 48/4(569-581.e1)Weingaertner V, Scheve C, Gerdes V, Schwarz-Eywill M, Prenzel R, Bausewein C, Higginson IJ, Voltz R, Herich L, Simon ST, PAALiativ Project, PAALiativ Project

The objective of this paper is to describe and compare the courses of refractory breathlessness, functional status, distress, and PC needs in patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or lung cancer (LC) over time. The authors conclude that the PC needs of patients with advanced COPD are comparable with LC patients, and breathlessness severity and distress are even higher. 

Available in print in Arthur Rank House Library, Brookfields Hospital

Developing a service for patients with very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) within resources

BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care 2014; Vol/iss 4/2 (196-201)
Jason Boland, Janet Owen, Rachel Ainscough, Hazim Mahdi

The aim of this service development was to improve local service provision in Barnsley, within the currently available resources, for patients with very severe COPD, to improve patient identification and symptom management, increase advance care planning and the numbers of patients dying in their preferred place, and increase patient and carer support and satisfaction. 

Full text available in BMJ_Supportive_and_Palliative_Care
Available in print in Arthur Rank House Library, Brookfields Hospital

Facilitating change and adaptation: the experiences of current and bereaved carers of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Journal of Palliative Medicine, April 2014, vol./is. 17/4(421-7)

Philip J, Gold M, Brand C, Miller B, Douglass J, Sundararajan V

This study seeks to understand the experiences and needs of family carers of people with severe COPD.  The impact of caring borne by family carers is substantial and life changing. Health professionals may assist carers in their role through acknowledgement, facilitating recognition of the changes that have occurred (and their implications), and enabling creative adaptive responses for carers. Such assistance is likely to enhance the ability of carers to continue in this demanding role.