Perspectives on palliative care approaches in people with advanced COPD: a qualitative study of patients attending a Breathe Easy clinic and day hospice

Introduction: People with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are well recognised to experience high levels of unaddressed physical and psychosocial symptom burden. Palliative care provides viable support that strives to relieve the sufferings and optimise quality of life for patients. This study aimed to identify factors that contribute to satisfaction and well-being of people with advanced COPD while attending services which offer palliative care approaches.

Methods: A descriptive exploratory qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted. Nineteen participants (67 ± 9 years) were recruited through Breathe Easy clinic (n = 13), and day hospice (n = 6) in the United Kingdom.

Results: Both types of services were noted for bringing substantial contributions to patients’ lives. Healthcare professionals’ empathy and skilled communication were particularly important, with participants adjusting and accepting their limitations more easily when they understood their disease. Early introduction to services with palliative care approaches, along with referrals to support groups and education, helped normalise their experiences and improve symptom management.

Conclusion: Providing psychological and educational interventions can lead to improvements in social aspects of patients’ lives or the development of self-management techniques to cope with the disease both physically and mentally. Early palliative care involvement is essential in this population.