Need for palliation in patients with the severe COPD - a questionnaire study

Lucyna Gorska; Malgorzata Krajnik; Iwona Damps-Konstanska; Krzysztof Kuziemski; Ewa Jassem

Vol 6, No 3 (2007)

Original articles

Published online: 2007-11-07

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Need for palliation in patients with the severe COPD - a questionnaire study

Lucyna Gorska, Malgorzata Krajnik, Iwona Damps-Konstanska, Krzysztof Kuziemski, Ewa Jassem

Advances in Palliative Medicine 2007;6(3):107-110.

Vol 6, No 3 (2007)

Original articles

Published online: 2007-11-07

Abstract

Background. Traditionally in Poland, palliative medicine and hospice care is focused on patients with malignant diseases. COPD patients, however, also express the need for palliation of symptoms and end-ofthe life support The aim of this study was to assess the opinion of severe and very severe COPD patients on their most distressing chronic symptoms, social activity and the need for additional palliative support.
Material and methods. 26 patients with advanced COPD, staged according to GOLD criteria answered the short questionnaire concerning symptoms, social activities and the need for additional palliative care.
Results. All patients suffered chronic symptoms despite of intensive treatment, the majority of them limited social live and all patients expressed the need for additional palliative support.
Conclusions. Polish pulmonologists and palliative medicine doctors should join the international discussion aiming on the definition of end-of-the life needs of patients with chronic, life-limiting diseases and evaluation of the potential benefits by addition of palliative care.