Abstract
COPD is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There is strong evidence demonstrating the impact of disease and the unmet needs of these patients.
Aim
Develop a hospice-based clinic for patients with advanced COPD. This multi-disciplinary assessment, facilitation and treatment clinic brings together expertise in a range of respiratory management and palliative care approaches to provide holistic care; improve self-management; integrate services; and to maximise the quality of life for patients who may be towards the end of life.
Method
Patients with advanced COPD are invited with their carers to attend the Clinic at the local hospice with a COPD nurse, a palliative medicine consultant and physiotherapist to identify their physical, psychological, social, spiritual and functional needs and engage them with a range of services. Informational needs are also addressed, including advance care planning. For those unable to attend, services are replicated in patients' homes. Metrics are undertaken at each clinic to evaluate symptoms and patient reported outcomes.
Results
Over a 9-month pilot 16 patients were referred (mean age 69). Mean FEV1 24% (N=14). For 6 patients there is incomplete data.
Conclusion
The outcome demonstrates a trend towards improvement in all domains. It is not possible to conclude that the clinic intervention is solely responsible for these changes, these early data and patient feedback supports the effectiveness of this model.
- © 2012 ERS