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N. Galligan
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P2.09 - Poster Session/ Nursing and Allied Professionals (ID 227)
- Event: WCLC 2015
- Type: Poster
- Track: Nursing and Allied Professionals
- Presentations: 1
- Moderators:
- Coordinates: 9/08/2015, 09:30 - 17:00, Exhibit Hall (Hall B+C)
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P2.09-006 - A Breathlessness Booklet (ID 2772)
09:30 - 09:30 | Author(s): N. Galligan
- Abstract
Background:
Breathlessness is common amongst lung cancer patients. It leads to inactivity, helplessness and loss of self esteem. As the experience of breathlessness has physical and non-physical aspects, management of the symptom of breathlessness is challenging. It is recognised that non pharmacological intervention for breathlessness is beneficial. In 2012 lung cancer patients expressed the need for an easy to use breathlessness aid. A breathlessness booklet was subsequently developed. Patients were asked to assess the usefulness, understanding and easiness of each entry. The booklet evaluated well with patients and users. The appointment of a Macmillan specialist occupational therapist to the palliative care team was an ideal opportunity to re-examine the breathlessness aid and introduce a multi disciplinary approach.
Methods:
The booklet was reviewed with the layout redesigned and an additional section added on activities of daily living. Information includes anatomy and physiology, breathing control, anxiety management including relaxation techniques, activity pacing and positional aids.
Results:
The revised A5 booklet has since been used by patients and a number of the multi-disciplinary team have had sight of it. Information remains, as intended simplistic but is comprehensive. The booklet is being distributed by the Macmillan lung cancer CNS and palliative care team which includes consultant, CNS’s Macmillan OT and healthcare support workers. Patient feedback remains very positive. It suggests patients feel more equipped to cope with their breathlessness. They report it has helped them cope with pacing themselves and controlling breathing when using the stairs. Others enjoy the choice of breathing techniques and tips for managing activities of daily living in and out of the home.
Conclusion:
Interest in this breathlessness aid has been expressed from a variety of specialities and hospitals within Aneurin Bevan Health Board. Requests have been made for the breathlessness leaflet to be available on intranet so that all personnel within ABHB can access information. An additional booklet has been produced on Fatigue. Both booklets have subsequently been presented at The All Wales Lung Cancer Forum 2014 Annual Conference. Delegate feedback was very positive.
