Patients’ experiences of coping with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and their recommendations for its clinical management

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197660
• Publication Date: 2018-05-23T17:41:44Z
• Authors: Sameera Senanayake; Kim Harrison; Michael Lewis; Melitta McNarry; Joanne Hudson
• Keywords: Thematic Analysis

Background Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive and life-limiting condition. From healthcare perspective it vital to establish effective methods of improving the quality remaining life in these patients. This requires detailed understanding multiple impacts an IPF diagnosis on individual. Methods We sought understand how patients coped with their initial diagnosis, they live disease day-to-day, experiences opinions professional support receive. A patient-centred approach was used explore social, psychological physical IPF. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by experienced academic. Interview questions written researchers but guided informal conversations clinicians. An inductive thematic analyse data, allowing us identify common themes patients' experiences. Results Of fifty invited participants, ten took part study (aged 53–81 years; 9 male). Inductive analysis identified seven second-order eleven first-order themes, represented two General Dimensions: 'Patient experience condition' 'Patient-led recommendations for practice'. The key message 'coping' that acceptance condition led sense optimism. Participants reported using appraisal-focused coping strategies change perspectives (thinking positively) emotion-focused overcome depression (the main opportunity emotional expression being group). group also facilitated problem-focused coping: individuals exchanged knowledge gave one another tips Conclusions Health professionals should provide information focuses living IPF, encouraging them make lifestyle changes adaptations improve life. Family members receive education about so can such changes. Patients be encouraged join participate activity (again preferably group-based). offers novel findings will help inform much-needed practice supporting cope progression.