Background

Patients with non-malignant respiratory diseases and severe symptom burden are rarely provided with specialized palliative care. This study explored and evaluated if an outpatient clinic for non-malignant respiratory palliation as an interdisciplinary collaboration between the departments of Respiratory Medicine and Specialized Palliative Care Unit, could identify and meet the needs for palliative care from patients.

Aim

Evaluation of the effects of collaboration in palliation to patients with non-malignant respiratory diseases, based on patients? perspectives.

Methods

A qualitative research design comprising eight in-depth semi-structured interviews with patients and field observations was conducted. Data were analyzed using theme analysis inspired by Brown and Clark and based on the concepts of Critical Psychology conduct of everyday life.

Results

Semi-structured interviews revealed that acknowledgment of complex diseases and illness trajectories was considered important by the patients. The patients expressed a lack of knowledge on what they could expect from the consultation prior to attendance e.g. lack of knowledge about palliation. Though, the patients expected to be provided with management strategies in the conduct of everyday life having a severe respiratory disease. Patients considered the consultations important and rewarding.

Conclusions

For all patients, the consultations led to management strategies for their conduct of everyday life. Despite different expectations prior to the consultation, all the patients found it to be important and rewarding. The patients concluded there was a need for end-of-life consultations.