Patients with COPD wish to discuss palliative care with health professionals

Researchers administered interviews to 12 COPD patients in this study, measuring variables including their perceptions of and experiences in discussing palliative care. “Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may experience palliative care needs in early, late, and terminal phase of the disease. Health professionals experience several barriers in their work with identifying, initiating, and evaluating palliative interventions aimed at patients with COPD in primary care. Mayor barriers to a palliative care approach are the fear of destroying patients' hopes and difficulties in deciding the right time to initiate discussions about palliative care.”

Abstract is free.