Barbara E Gonçalves
University of the West of Scotland, United Kingdom
Biography:
Abstract:
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.