| Title: | Evaluation of a Multidisciplinary Breathlessness Support Service |
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| Author(s): | Goss J, Drury A, Afolabi J., McHugh G., O'Leary N., Brady A. M. |
| Institution: | Our Lady's Hospcie & Care Services, TCD School of Nursing and Midwifery |
| Poster: | Click to view poster |
| Category: | General Respiratory and Sleep |
| Abstract: | Chronic refractory breathlessness is defined as breathlessness at rest or with minimal exertion that persists despite optimal treatment of the underlying cause. It is a frightening symptom that decreases physical, mental and social functioning with wider implications for the individual, caregivers and health systems. The Multidisciplinary Breathlessness Support Service (MBSS) provides a brief intervention to support the management of refractory breathlessness in an outpatient palliative care setting. A longitudinal mixed methods study was conducted. Service users (n=10) completed questionnaire including Chronic Respiratory Questionnaires [CRQ]), (Dyspnoea-12 [D-12]; and healthcare experience at T1 (at admission) and T2 (after discharge). A subsample of service users (n=8), referrers (n=2) and carers (n-1) were interviewed after T2 to discuss their experiences of using the service. CRQ subscales demonstrated enhanced mastery (p=0.013), emotional function (p=0.014) and reduced fatigue (p=0.012). Statistically non – significant effects noted on [D-12]; and [CRQ] dyspnoea subscale. Interviewees, uniformly described positive impacts on their functional and emotional well-being. The results of this study suggest that a multidisciplinary intervention which reflects service users individualised goals is feasible and positively affects emotional well-being, fatigue and mastery of this difficult symptom. Further exploration is needed to further examine service configuration and the duration of effect of the intervention. |
