Rationale: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have high symptom burdens and poor health-related quality of life. The American Thoracic Society issued a consensus statement outlining the need for palliative care for patients with chronic respiratory diseases. A better understanding of the unmet healthcare needs among patients with COPD may help determine which aspects of palliative care are most beneficial.Objectives: To identify the unmet healthcare needs of patients with COPD hospitalized for exacerbation using qualitative methods.
Methods:We conducted 20 semistructured interviews of patients admitted for acute exacerbations of COPD focused on patient understanding of diagnosis and prognosis, effect of COPD on daily life and social relationships, symptoms, healthcare needs, and preparation for the end of life. Transcribed interviews were evaluated using thematic analysis. Conclusions: There are many unmet healthcare needs among patients hospitalized for COPD exacerbation. Relief of symptoms, physical limitations, emotional distress, social isolation, and concerns about the future may be better managed by integrating specialist palliative care into our current care model.
Measurements and Main
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Patients with HIV-associated body morphology changes can be safely treated by the plastic surgeon, provided that a thorough preoperative workup is performed. There is minimal risk of disease transmission. There is an ethical and legal obligation to treat these patients if the patient is suitable and the procedure in question falls under the expertise of the consulting surgeon.
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