Authors
- Chi Li1,
- Anna Collins2,
- Michelle Gold2,
- Jennifer Philip2,
- Greg Snell1
- Alfred Health1,
- Centre for Palliative Care, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne2
2015
Excerpt
Background and aims
Lung transplantation is a complex and comprehensive treatment considered in increasing numbers of patients with advanced lung diseases. While successful transplantation is associated with improved survival and quality of life (QOL), median five-year survival is still only around 50%. Patients and carers undertaking the transplantation journey often endure significant physical and psychological symptoms, as well as tremendous treatment and carer burden. While there are likely to be unmet palliative care needs in this population, traditional models of care may not be sufficient. This study aims to explore these issues by examining patient and carer-reported outcomes at different stages of lung transplantation.
Methods
Prospective cross-sectional survey of adult patients and carers attending lung transplant clinics at The Alfred over six months, using validated instruments to measure QOL (SF-36, EQ-50), symptom burden (ESAS), supportive and palliative care needs (CSNAT, POS). Descriptive statistics and appropriate tests of significance will be used to compare data from candidates and recipients, patients and carers.
Results and discussion
Preliminary results will be presented using completed survey data (anticipated N>100). Discussion will focus on EXPLORING the experiences and needs of lung transplant patients and carers, RECOGNISING potential roles for palliative care and PREPARING for its integration into the routine care of this vulnerable population.
Lung transplantation is a complex and comprehensive treatment considered in increasing numbers of patients with advanced lung diseases. While successful transplantation is associated with improved survival and quality of life (QOL), median five-year survival is still only around 50%. Patients and carers undertaking the transplantation journey often endure significant physical and psychological symptoms, as well as tremendous treatment and carer burden. While there are likely to be unmet palliative care needs in this population, traditional models of care may not be sufficient. This study aims to explore these issues by examining patient and carer-reported outcomes at different stages of lung transplantation.
Methods
Prospective cross-sectional survey of adult patients and carers attending lung transplant clinics at The Alfred over six months, using validated instruments to measure QOL (SF-36, EQ-50), symptom burden (ESAS), supportive and palliative care needs (CSNAT, POS). Descriptive statistics and appropriate tests of significance will be used to compare data from candidates and recipients, patients and carers.
Results and discussion
Preliminary results will be presented using completed survey data (anticipated N>100). Discussion will focus on EXPLORING the experiences and needs of lung transplant patients and carers, RECOGNISING potential roles for palliative care and PREPARING for its integration into the routine care of this vulnerable population.