PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Jeffrey J Swigris TI - Transitions and touchpoints in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis AID - 10.1136/bmjresp-2018-000317 DP - 2018 Jun 01 TA - BMJ Open Respiratory Research PG - e000317 VI - 5 IP - 1 4099 - http://bmjopenrespres.bmj.com/content/5/1/e000317.short 4100 - http://bmjopenrespres.bmj.com/content/5/1/e000317.full SO - BMJ Open Resp Res2018 Jun 01; 5 AB - Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) face a poor prognosis and endure intrusive symptoms that impair quality of life. Many patients with IPF will require supplemental oxygen (O2) at some point in the course of their illness, and although it can improve blood oxygen and symptoms, O2 creates physical and emotional challenges for patients and their loved ones. Four events in the course of IPF—the first occurs at the time of diagnosis and the other three are related to O2—herald periods of transition for patients and their caregivers and mark touchpoints when they need extra care and support from practitioners.