Feasibility of a telehealth-delivered breathing intervention for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Abstract

<p>Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a debilitating chronic lung disease that affects approximately 100,000 individuals in the United States (US), with 30,000 to 40,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Dyspnea is experienced by 90% of patients with IPF and is correlated with reduced quality of life, anxiety, depression, and decreased survival time in this patient population. Breathing management techniques such as pursed lip and diaphragmatic breathing can reduce perceived dyspnea, however this symptom management strategy is not readily taught to patients outside of inpatient hospital settings and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, the latter of which only being accessed by 3% of individuals with chronic lung disease. Telehealth is a cost-effective way to deliver high-quality care to patients and can increase access to healthcare services, such as a symptom management intervention. The purpose of this dissertation study was to measure the feasibility and usability of a telehealth-delivered breathing intervention for patients with IPF, as well as to describe within-group changes in dyspnea, quality of life, anxiety, and depression pre- and post-implementation of a 4-week breathing exercise intervention delivered via telehealth. Among community-dwelling IPF patients, a telehealth-delivered breathing intervention is a feasible and usable option to increase access to this imperative symptom management education. Analysis of pre- and post-intervention data collected on dyspnea, quality of life, anxiety, and depression provides initial evidence that a 4-week intervention may positively influence symptoms experienced by IPF patients.</p>