Patients' experiences of oxygen therapy and dyspnoea: a qualitative study in home palliative care. Issue Volume 2:Issue (2012)Supplement 1 (1st March 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jaturapatporn, Darin; Moran, Erica; Obwanga, Chris; Husain, Amna
• Is Part Of: BMJ supportive & palliative care. Volume 2:Issue (2012)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A47
• Page End: A47
• Publication Date: 2012-03-01
• Subjects: Palliative treatment -- Periodicals; Terminal care -- Periodicals; 616.029
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2012-000196.135
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-435X

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Dyspnoea is a common and distressing symptom in advanced cancer patients. Our preliminary work shows that in the home palliative care population sampled for this study, the prevalence of dyspnoea is 29.5% and of those, 26.2% used oxygen therapy. Previous studies suggested that oxygen therapy can be a burden to patients. Purpose: This study seeks to report the prevalence and describe the experience of dyspnoea, pattern of oxygen use, and patients' perceived benefits and/or burdens of oxygen therapy in home palliative care patients receiving oxygen therapy. Methods: Qualitative indepth interviews, using an interview guide, were conducted with eight participants in their homes. Thematic analysis was performed using a framework approach. Results: All patients in this project used oxygen most of the time. The descriptions of shortness of breath varied and were non-specific. The patients identified more advantages than disadvantages. The advantages of oxygen use included increased functional capacity, patients' perceiving oxygen as a life-saving intervention, as well as a symptom-management tool. The identified disadvantages were decreased mobility, discomfort related to the nasal prongs, barriers to accessing oxygen therapy and noise related to the equipment. Conclusion: The advantages of oxygen usage outweighed the disadvantages for this sample of patients in the home palliative setting.