RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Transitions and touchpoints in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
JF BMJ Open Respiratory Research
JO BMJ Open Resp Res
FD British Thoracic Society
SP e000317
DO 10.1136/bmjresp-2018-000317
VO 5
IS 1
A1 Jeffrey J Swigris
YR 2018
UL http://bmjopenrespres.bmj.com/content/5/1/e000317.abstract
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.