SUPPORT: Comprehensive Palliative Care for Advanced Lung Diseases
University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed SUPPORT, an early integrative palliative care intervention designed to provide comprehensive education and support for patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and other advanced lung diseases. SUPPORT includes critical information on symptom management, disease understanding, pulmonary rehabilitation, advanced care planning, oxygen therapy, research opportunities, and transplantation opportunities. This structured intervention ensures that every patient receives consistent and thorough information at the time of diagnosis, enhancing their ability to manage their condition effectively.
Description
SUPPORT is an acronym that stands for Symptom Management, Understanding Your Disease, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Advanced Care Planning, Oxygen Therapy, Research Opportunities, and Transplantation Opportunities. This intervention is designed to be transportable across various media domains, including face-to-face interactions, printed materials, and DVDs. By providing a standardized set of information, SUPPORT addresses the gaps in existing educational materials, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive and consistent guidance.Applications
• Palliative care for patients with advanced lung diseases• Educational tool for healthcare providers
• Support resource for patients and families
• Integration into pulmonary rehabilitation programs
