Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A narrative synthesis of its hallmarks for palliative care clinicians

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a life-limiting condition and the third leading cause of death worldwide. People with COPD experience physical and psychological symptoms and functional limitations that impair their quality of life. Their caregivers face adverse clinical outcomes due to personal, social, and financial demands. As such, recent emphasis has been placed on early referral to palliative care services to enhance prognostic awareness, clarify goals of care, and manage symptoms. In this narrative synthesis of key aspects of COPD care, we propose practical, evidence-based strategies to integrate palliative care principles with conventional disease-directed treatments throughout the illness trajectory. We emphasize the importance of equipping clinicians caring for people with COPD with a thorough understanding of both the inherent disease complexities and the cornerstones of its multimodal management, including palliative care, to address the unique psychosocial and physical needs of this patient population.

Keywords: COPD; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Dyspnea; End of life; Palliative care; Symptom management.

Fig. 1.. The hallmarks of COPD for palliative care clinicians caring for people with COPD.

Visualization of the narrative review including background, its conclusions, and the featured hallmarks of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), alongside practical tips for palliative care clinicians caring for these patients. COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; PC: palliative care; ACP: advanced care planning.

Fig. 2.. The multidimensional nature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-related suffering.

The diagram underscores the complex interplay between the spiritual, physical, psychological, and social dimensions of distress experienced by people with COPD.

Fig. 3.. Dyspnea management for people with COPD.

Comprehensive overview of evidence-based interventions for the management of dyspnea in people with COPD. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions should be integrated to effectively alleviate this debilitating symptom.