Enhancing Comfort in Palliative Care: The Critical Role of Respiratory Therapists in Managing Dyspnea at End of Life

Authors: Mohammed B. Alshahrani, Saja A. Almarhoun, Hoda A. Khoutan, Ahmed A. Alenizi, Ahmed A. Alanazi, Faisal G. Alenazi, Sami H. Alossaimi, Abdulaziz S. Alaws, Nawaf A. Alnaam, Majed A. Alzahrani, Rami H. Alkhalid, Sultan H. Alhussini

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13681332

Short DOI: https://doi.org/gt9jkb

Country: Saudi Arabia

Full-text Research PDF File:   View   |   Download

Abstract: Background: Dyspnea is a prevalent and distressing symptom in palliative care patients, significantly impacting their quality of life. Respiratory therapists (RTs) play a vital role in managing this symptom, yet detailed studies evaluating the effectiveness of their interventions are sparse.
Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the medical records of 120 end-of-life patients in a palliative care unit at a large tertiary hospital from January 2016 to December 2017. The effectiveness of respiratory therapy interventions, including non-invasive ventilation, supplemental oxygen, and nebulized medications, was assessed based on changes in dyspnea severity and patient comfort levels.
Results: Post-intervention, patients exhibited significant improvements in dyspnea severity, with scores decreasing from an average of 7.4 to 4.2 on a 10-point scale (p < 0.001). Comfort scores improved from 4.6 to 7.8 (p < 0.001). The study also noted a reduction in the need for crisis interventions and an increase in patient satisfaction with care.
Conclusion: The findings underscore the critical role of respiratory therapists in enhancing the quality of life for palliative care patients by effectively managing dyspnea. These results advocate for the integration of specialized respiratory interventions in palliative care practices to improve patient outcomes.

Keywords: Palliative care, dyspnea management, respiratory therapy, end-of-life care, patient comfort, non-invasive ventilation

Paper Id: 231113

Published On: 2018-08-07

Published In: Volume 6, Issue 4, July-August 2018

Share this