Exploring the psychosocial impact of living with advanced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on those attending two different models of palliative care services

The daily life of patients with advanced COPD may incorporate living with a high symptom burden, facing a life which is compromised by reduced physical and social activities, and hence reduced QoL. Anxiety and depression are common in COPD but often not recognised or left untreated. To date, there is little evidence about which model is the most suited to reduce anxiety and depression and improve quality of life. Different models of palliative care are available for patients with advanced COPD. This mixed-method study will explore the narratives of patients’ experience and investigate the factors influencing patient experience and satisfaction in palliative care that affect patients’ quality of life and the psychological burden. The quantitative part is a cross-sectional study, in which the focus in on an objective rate of quality of life and anxiety and depression. The qualitative part uses semi-structured interviews being conducted to explore the views of patients about their experiences in palliative care from a psychosocial perspective. Patients with advanced COPD, in Scotland, are being recruited from two different models of care; secondary care and hospices. Currently, data collection is in process, and the study will recruit participants until the end of November 2019. This study aims to provide a range of factors that aid patients’ access to palliative care services, and on how to manage the system in order to overcome anxieties. In the future, these findings may be implemented in opportunities and good practices in palliative care for patients with advanced COPD. Biography Barbara E. Gonçalves is a third-year PhD candidate at the University of the West of Scotland. She graduated from the University of Leuven, Belgium, with a master’s degree in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, major in Children, focusing on her dissertation on inspiratory muscle training for COPD patients. Before pursuing an academic career, she worked clinically as a physiotherapist with children. She is interested in respiratory medicine, palliative care, improving healthcare and wellbeing. She has experience in both quantitative, qualitative methods and furthermore mixed methods approach. She is planning to publish her work and defend her PhD thesis in Autumn 2020.

Author(s): Barbara E. Gonçalves

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