Acceptability and Preliminary Impact of Telehealth-Facilitated Integrated Palliative Care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Barriers exist to effectively integrate palliative care (PC) into care for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). <b><i>Objective:</i></b> To test the acceptability of and satisfaction with a telehealth-facilitated integrated PC (TIPC) intervention and to examine its preliminary impact on quality of life (QOL) and symptoms. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Nine patients with COPD received the TIPC intervention. Repeated measures data from the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Palliative Care scale (FACIT-Pal) and the Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ) were collected at baseline, three months, and six months. Intervention acceptability was measured using investigator-developed questions. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Analysis revealed significant changes over time in the FACIT-Pal and the CCQ (<i>p</i> values <0.05), reflecting improved health-related QOL and reduced COPD symptoms. There was a generally positive reception to the intervention. <b><i>Discussion:</i></b> Results suggest the TIPC intervention may be acceptable and may enhance QOL and reduce symptoms in individuals with COPD.