Effective Management of Breathlessness in Advanced Cancer Patients With a Program-Based, Multidisciplinary Approach: The "SOB Program" in Hong Kong.

Abstract

Breathlessness is common in patients with advanced cancer. Using a multidisciplinary approach for relieving this challenging symptom was believed to be just a theory. The "SOB Program" was implemented in our institution in March 2013. An audit of medical records before and after implementation of the "SOB Program" was performed to identify any changes in practice after implementation, specifically in the use of nonpharmacologic interventions. The "SOB Program" is a multidisciplinary service in our department, using both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions for all patients with advanced cancer who have dyspnea. There was a marked increase in the use of nonpharmacologic interventions after the "SOB Program" (26.86% preimplementation vs. 89.35% postimplementation). Patients joining the program also had satisfactory improvement in breathlessness. A multidisciplinary approach for breathlessness control is both feasible and practical. Similar services can be promoted in other palliative care centers.