Back to Journals » International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease » Volume 3 » Issue 1

End of life care in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: in search of a good death

Authors Spathis A, Booth S

Published 7 March 2008 Volume 2008:3(1) Pages 11—29

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/COPD.S698



Anna Spathis, Sara Booth

Palliative Care Service, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, England, UK

Abstract: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an incurable, progressive illness that is the fourth commonest cause of death worldwide. Death tends to occur after a prolonged functional decline associated with uncontrolled symptoms, emotional distress and social isolation. There is increasing evidence that the end of life needs of those with advanced COPD are not being met by existing services. Many barriers hinder the provision of good end of life care in COPD, including the inherent difficulties in determining prognosis. This review provides an evidence-based approach to overcoming these barriers, summarising current evidence and highlighting areas for future research. Topics include end of life needs, symptom control, advance care planning, and service development to improve the quality of end of life care.

Keywords: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (MeSH), palliative care (MeSH), dyspnoea (MeSH), advance care planning (MeSH)

Creative Commons License © 2008 The Author(s). This work is published and licensed by Dove Medical Press Limited. The full terms of this license are available at https://www.dovepress.com/terms.php and incorporate the Creative Commons Attribution - Non Commercial (unported, v3.0) License. By accessing the work you hereby accept the Terms. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. For permission for commercial use of this work, please see paragraphs 4.2 and 5 of our Terms.