Treatments and management plans exist for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, and interstitial lung disease (ILD). Yet despite these treatments, many people with these conditions still experience chronic symptoms like fatigue or shortness of breath; feeling extremely anxious or depressed may also come hand-in-hand with these diagnoses.
According to Isabella Hornick in Healio, many outpatients are given educational pamphlets or handouts to help them deal with these feelings. But are these effective? A research team headed by Dr. David B. Bekelman sought out to explore whether a palliative telecare team could provide more benefits to patients than the existing measures.
In research published in JAMA, Dr. Bekelman’s team conducted a single-blind, randomized study which included data from 306 individuals with either COPD, interstitial lung disease, or heart failure. At the start of the study, the patients provided information on their quality-of-life. Researchers also evaluated the risk of hospitalization and/or mortality.
Palliative Telecare for COPD, ILD, or Heart Failure: Evaluating Efficacy
Patients were split into two groups: one which received educational handouts and the second which was treated by a palliative telecare team. A majority of patients had COPD, a chronic inflammatory lung disease. The palliative telecare team consisted of a nurse and social worker who worked alongside physicians to identify ways to improve patient lives. Patients working with the palliative telecare team received assistance in managing symptoms and were also given psychosocial care. If needed, the palliative telecare team would also consult with pulmonologists or cardiologists for more personalized care and insight.
At baseline, the groups had been fairly similar in quality-of-life. Palliative telecare interventions lasted an average of 115.1 days. After six months, researchers reassessed quality-of-life measures in both the educational handout and palliative telecare groups. Patients were easily able to access their care team via phone. While both groups showed improvements, the overall quality-of-life improvements were significantly stronger in the palliative telecare group. Further, these improvements were sustained over longer periods of time.
Interestingly, palliative telecare was also linked to both physical and mental improvements. Both people with COPD and heart failure saw improved health while engaging with palliative telecare, and this was also associated with lower depression and anxiety. Ultimately, this suggests that palliative telecare could be a worthwhile intervention for these communities.
