"It's like a forgotten issue sometimes …": Qualitative study of individuals living and caring for people with chronic breathlessness.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

This study aims to explore the perspectives of patients and carers with chronic breathlessness on current provision of care, care expectations, and self-management needs to develop relevant health services and resources to improve clinical outcomes.

Methods

In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted on patients living with chronic breathlessness and carers.

Results

Thirteen patients (cardiac, respiratory, and noncardiorespiratory) and two carers were interviewed (mean age 57 years, 47% female, median duration with breathlessness 5 years). Four main themes were identified: (1) living with breathlessness, (2) diagnosis delays, misdiagnosis, and knowledge gaps, (3) beyond curing disease: symptom relief and improving quality of life, and (4) self-manag

SUBMITTER: Sunjaya A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10363784 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature