Authors (including presenting author) :
Hon HC(1), Dr. Lim Fiona(1), Cheung WY(1), Lee CS(1), Chow SK(1), Wong June (2), Law Rebecca(2), Au Mickey(2), Lee Sarah(2), Leung Candy (3), Liu YM(3), Leung Philip(3), Kwok Jamie(3), Dr. Sze Angela(4), Maggie Mo(4), To Cindy (4), Tsang Sherrie (5)
Affiliation :
(1) Oncology Department, Princess Margaret Hospital
(2) Occupational Therapy Department , Princess Margaret Hospital
(3) Physiotherapy Department, Princess Margaret Hospital (4) Clinical Psychology Department, Princess Margaret Hospital (5) Patient Resource Center, Department Margaret Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Patient Empowerment
Keyword 2: :
Team-Patient Partnership
Keyword 3: :
Excellence in Palliative Care
Introduction :
Breathlesssness is a common and challenging symptom in palliative care. Using the BTF(Breathing, Thinking and Functioning) model, a dedicated multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and clinical psychologists develops an integrated program for dyspnea to help patients manage early symptoms and receive psychosocial support.
Objectives :
The program objective is to delivet patient-centered care and enhance quality of life, including for those receiving home care.
Methodology :
Palliative care nurses enroll patients with mild to moderate dyspnea (modified BORG score 0.5-2) and incurable malignancy into a structured, integrated four-week program. The multidisciplinary team assesses breathlessness, delivers targeted education, and develops self-management plans at each visit. Patients participate in half-day outpatient sessions focused on dyspnea management, functional exercise, and coping strategies.
Result & Outcome :
The program has proven effective in improving patient's functional capacity (ie. Increase KPS scores / 6-minute walk/ QLQ-Fx), enhancing psychosocial well-being (ie. Increase QOL score / Decrease Distress Thermometer score /Fear of SOB score), and boosting up confidence in managing breathlessness (ie. Increase Self-Efficacy in Symptom Management). Participants report high satisfaction, greater empowermenet, and better symptom control. The team is committed to provided specialized, holistic, patient-centered care and demonstrates exemplary collaboration.
