All Outputs (109)

Implementing the battery-operated hand-held fan as an evidence-based, non-pharmacological intervention for chronic breathlessness in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a qualitative study of the views of specialist respiratory clinicians (2022)
Journal Article
Luckett, T., Roberts, M., Smith, T., Garcia, M., Dunn, S., Swan, F., Ferguson, C., Kochovska, S., Phillips, J. L., Pearson, M., Currow, D. C., & Johnson, M. J. (2022). Implementing the battery-operated hand-held fan as an evidence-based, non-pharmacological intervention for chronic breathlessness in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a qualitative study of the views of specialist respiratory clinicians. BMC Pulmonary Medicine, 22(1), Article 129. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12890-022-01925-z

INTRODUCTION: The battery-operated hand-held fan ('fan') is an inexpensive and portable non-pharmacological intervention for chronic breathlessness. Evidence from randomised controlled trials suggests the fan reduces breathlessness intensity and impr... Read More about Implementing the battery-operated hand-held fan as an evidence-based, non-pharmacological intervention for chronic breathlessness in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a qualitative study of the views of specialist respiratory clinicians.

Lower workforce participation is associated with more severe persisting breathlessness (2022)
Journal Article
Clark, J., Chang, S., Kinchin, I., Ferreira, D., Kochovska, S., Morgan, D., Poulos, L. M., Johnson, M. J., Ekström, M., & Currow, D. C. (2022). Lower workforce participation is associated with more severe persisting breathlessness. BMC Pulmonary Medicine, 22(1), Article 93. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12890-022-01861-y

Background: Not being able to work has negative health, social and financial consequences. Persisting breathlessness is prevalent in working-aged people. Is it associated with lower workforce participation? This study, using the South Australian Heal... Read More about Lower workforce participation is associated with more severe persisting breathlessness.

Symptom burden and lived experiences of patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals on the management of malignant bowel obstruction: A qualitative systematic review (2022)
Journal Article
Baddeley, E., Mann, M., Bravington, A., Johnson, M. J., Currow, D., Murtagh, F. E., Boland, E., Obita, G., Oliver, A., Seddon, K., Nelson, A., Boland, J. W., & Noble, S. (in press). Symptom burden and lived experiences of patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals on the management of malignant bowel obstruction: A qualitative systematic review. Palliative medicine, https://doi.org/10.1177/02692163221081331

Background: Malignant bowel obstruction occurs in up to 50% of people with advanced ovarian and 15% of people with gastrointestinal cancers. Evaluation and comparison of interventions to manage symptoms are hampered by inconsistent evaluations of eff... Read More about Symptom burden and lived experiences of patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals on the management of malignant bowel obstruction: A qualitative systematic review.

Do guidelines influence breathlessness management in advanced lung diseases? A multinational survey of respiratory medicine and palliative care physicians (2022)
Journal Article
Krajnik, M., Hepgul, N., Wilcock, A., Jassem, E., Bandurski, T., Tanzi, S., Simon, S. T., Higginson, I. J., Jolley, C. J., Arendt-Nowakowska, A., Bajwah, S., Bausewein, C., Bazata, J., Bolton, C., Bonelli, C., Brindle, R., Brown, S., Costantini, M., Currow, D., Dimbleby, C., …Walker, F. (2022). Do guidelines influence breathlessness management in advanced lung diseases? A multinational survey of respiratory medicine and palliative care physicians. BMC Pulmonary Medicine, 22(1), Article 41. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12890-022-01835-0

Background: Respiratory medicine (RM) and palliative care (PC) physicians’ management of chronic breathlessness in advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), fibrotic interstitial lung disease (fILD) and lung cancer (LC), and the influenc... Read More about Do guidelines influence breathlessness management in advanced lung diseases? A multinational survey of respiratory medicine and palliative care physicians.

Prevalence and severity of differing dimensions of breathlessness among elderly males in the population (2021)
Journal Article
Olsson, M., Currow, D. C., Johnson, M. J., Sandberg, J., Engström, G., & Ekstrom, M. (2022). Prevalence and severity of differing dimensions of breathlessness among elderly males in the population. ERJ Open Research, 8(1), https://doi.org/10.1183/23120541.00553-2021

Breathlessness is common in the general population. Existing data were obtained primarily with the uni-dimensional modified Medical Research Council breathlessness scale (mMRC) that does not assess intensities of unpleasantness nor physical, emotiona... Read More about Prevalence and severity of differing dimensions of breathlessness among elderly males in the population.

Breathlessness dimensions association with physical and mental quality of life – the population based VASCOL study of elderly men (2021)
Journal Article
Cristea, L., Olsson, M., Currow, D., Johnson, M., Sandberg, J., & Ekström, M. (2021). Breathlessness dimensions association with physical and mental quality of life – the population based VASCOL study of elderly men. BMJ Open Respiratory Research, 8(1), Article e000990. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjresp-2021-000990

Background Breathlessness is a multidimensional symptom prevalent in elderly affecting many aspects of life. We aimed to determine how different dimensions of breathlessness are associated with physical and mental quality of life (QoL) in elderly men... Read More about Breathlessness dimensions association with physical and mental quality of life – the population based VASCOL study of elderly men.

Health service utilisation associated with chronic breathlessness: random population sample (2021)
Journal Article
Currow, D. C., Chang, S., Ekström, M., Luckett, T., Kochovska, S., Hay, P., Touyz, S., Dal Grande, E., Hutchinson, A., & Johnson, M. J. (2021). Health service utilisation associated with chronic breathlessness: random population sample. ERJ Open Research, 7(4), Article 00415-2021. https://doi.org/10.1183/23120541.00415-2021

Background Most health service utilisation studies are of people with specific diagnoses or demographic characteristics, and rarely of specific chronic symptoms. The aim of this study was to establish whether population-level health service utilisati... Read More about Health service utilisation associated with chronic breathlessness: random population sample.

Performance status and trial site-level factors are associated with missing data in palliative care trials: An individual participant-level data analysis of 10 phase 3 trials (2021)
Journal Article
Hussain, J. A., White, I. R., Johnson, M. J., Bland, M., & Currow, D. C. (2021). Performance status and trial site-level factors are associated with missing data in palliative care trials: An individual participant-level data analysis of 10 phase 3 trials. Palliative medicine, https://doi.org/10.1177/02692163211040970

Background: Missing data compromise the internal and external validity of trial findings, however there is limited evidence on how best to reduce missing data in palliative care trials. Aim: To assess the association between participant and site leve... Read More about Performance status and trial site-level factors are associated with missing data in palliative care trials: An individual participant-level data analysis of 10 phase 3 trials.

VAScular and Chronic Obstructive Lung disease (VASCOL): A longitudinal study on morbidity, symptoms and quality of life among older men in Blekinge county, Sweden (2021)
Journal Article
Olsson, M., Engström, G., Currow, D. C., Johnson, M., Sandberg, J., & Ekström, M. (2021). VAScular and Chronic Obstructive Lung disease (VASCOL): A longitudinal study on morbidity, symptoms and quality of life among older men in Blekinge county, Sweden. BMJ open, 11(7), https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046473

Purpose Despite data showing breathlessness to be more prevalent in older adults, we have little detail about the severity or multidimensional characteristics of breathlessness and other self-reported measures (such as quality of life and other cardi... Read More about VAScular and Chronic Obstructive Lung disease (VASCOL): A longitudinal study on morbidity, symptoms and quality of life among older men in Blekinge county, Sweden.

Professionals’, patients’ and families’ views on the use of opioids for chronic breathlessness: A systematic review using the framework method and pillar process (2021)
Journal Article
Reedy, F., Pearson, M., Greenley, S., Clark, J., Currow, D. C., Bajwah, S., Fallon, M., & Johnson, M. J. (in press). Professionals’, patients’ and families’ views on the use of opioids for chronic breathlessness: A systematic review using the framework method and pillar process. Palliative medicine, https://doi.org/10.1177/02692163211032114

Background: In combination with non-pharmacological interventions, opioids may safely reduce chronic breathlessness in patients with severe illness. However, implementation in clinical practice varies. Aim: To synthesise the published literature rega... Read More about Professionals’, patients’ and families’ views on the use of opioids for chronic breathlessness: A systematic review using the framework method and pillar process.

Comparing functional decline and distress from symptoms in people with thoracic life-limiting illnesses: Lung cancers and non-malignant end-stage respiratory diseases (2021)
Journal Article
Barnes-Harris, M., Allingham, S., Morgan, D., Ferreira, D., Johnson, M. J., Eagar, K., & Currow, D. (2021). Comparing functional decline and distress from symptoms in people with thoracic life-limiting illnesses: Lung cancers and non-malignant end-stage respiratory diseases. Thorax, 76(10), 989-995. https://doi.org/10.1136/thoraxjnl-2020-216039

© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ. Background: Malignant and non-malignant respiratory diseases account for >4.6 million deaths annually worldwide. Despite similar symptom burd... Read More about Comparing functional decline and distress from symptoms in people with thoracic life-limiting illnesses: Lung cancers and non-malignant end-stage respiratory diseases.

Indications and patterns of use of benzodiazepines and opioids in severe interstitial lung disease: a population-based longitudinal study (2021)
Journal Article
Genberg, J., Davies, J. M., Ahmadi, Z., Currow, D., Johnson, M. J., Tanash, H., Bajwah, S., & Ekström, M. (2021). Indications and patterns of use of benzodiazepines and opioids in severe interstitial lung disease: a population-based longitudinal study. ERJ Open Research, 7(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1183/23120541.00716-2020

Background: Despite evidence that opioids might relieve chronic breathlessness, physicians may still be reluctant to prescribe them due to safety concerns. By contrast, benzodiazepine (BDZ) prescribing often seeks to reduce chronic breathlessness des... Read More about Indications and patterns of use of benzodiazepines and opioids in severe interstitial lung disease: a population-based longitudinal study.

A cluster randomised trial of a Needs Assessment Tool for adult Cancer patients and their carers (NAT-C) in primary care: A feasibility study (2021)
Journal Article
Clark, J., Amoakwa, E., Wright-Hughes, A., Blenkinsopp, J., Currow, D. C., Meads, D., Farrin, A., Allgar, V., Macleod, U., & Johnson, M. (2021). A cluster randomised trial of a Needs Assessment Tool for adult Cancer patients and their carers (NAT-C) in primary care: A feasibility study. PLoS ONE, 16(1), Article e0245647. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0245647

Background People with cancer often have unidentified symptoms and social care needs. The Needs Assessment Tool-Cancer (NAT-C) is a validated, structured method of assessing patient/ carer concerns and prompting action, to address unmet need. Aims As... Read More about A cluster randomised trial of a Needs Assessment Tool for adult Cancer patients and their carers (NAT-C) in primary care: A feasibility study.

A feasibility cluster randomised controlled trial of a paramedic-administered breathlessness management intervention for acute-on-chronic breathlessness (BREATHE): Study protocol (2021)
Journal Article
Northgraves, M., Cohen, J., Allgar, V., Currow, D., Hart, S., Hird, K., Hodge, A., Johnson, M., Mason, S., Swan, F., & Hutchinson, A. (2021). A feasibility cluster randomised controlled trial of a paramedic-administered breathlessness management intervention for acute-on-chronic breathlessness (BREATHE): Study protocol. ERJ Open Research, 7(1), Article 00955-2020. https://doi.org/10.1183/23120541.00955-2020

Introduction: Chronic breathlessness, persistent and disabling despite optimal treatment of underlying causes, is a prevalent and frightening symptom and is associated with many emergency presentations and admission to hospital. Breathlessness manage... Read More about A feasibility cluster randomised controlled trial of a paramedic-administered breathlessness management intervention for acute-on-chronic breathlessness (BREATHE): Study protocol.

Minimal clinically important differences for Dyspnea-12 and MDP scores are similar at 2 weeks and 6 months: follow-up of a longitudinal clinical study (2020)
Journal Article
Ekström, M., Bornefalk, H., Sköld, C. M., Janson, C., Blomberg, A., Sandberg, J., Bornefalk-Hermansson, A., Currow, D. C., Johnson, M. J., & Sundh, J. (2021). Minimal clinically important differences for Dyspnea-12 and MDP scores are similar at 2 weeks and 6 months: follow-up of a longitudinal clinical study. European respiratory journal, 57(3), https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.02823-2020

Chronic breathlessness is a dominating symptom that restricts daily life for many people with cardiorespiratory disease [1]. Different dimensions of the symptom, such as the intensity, sensory qualities (SQs) and emotional responses, can be assessed... Read More about Minimal clinically important differences for Dyspnea-12 and MDP scores are similar at 2 weeks and 6 months: follow-up of a longitudinal clinical study.

Prevalence and risk factors of breathlessness across Canada: A national retrospective cohort study in home care and nursing home populations (2020)
Journal Article
Seow, H., Dutta, P., Johnson, M. J., McMillan, K., Guthrie, D. M., Costa, A., & Currow, D. C. (in press). Prevalence and risk factors of breathlessness across Canada: A national retrospective cohort study in home care and nursing home populations. Journal of pain and symptom management, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.11.034

© 2020 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine Context: Breathlessness is a symptom associated with poor clinical outcomes and prognosis. Little is known about its long-term trends and associations with social factors including decline in... Read More about Prevalence and risk factors of breathlessness across Canada: A national retrospective cohort study in home care and nursing home populations.

Morphine for the symptomatic reduction of chronic breathlessness: the case for controlled release (2020)
Journal Article
Currow, D. C., Kochovska, S., Ferreira, D., & Johnson, M. (2020). Morphine for the symptomatic reduction of chronic breathlessness: the case for controlled release. Current opinion in supportive and palliative care, 14(3), 177-181. https://doi.org/10.1097/SPC.0000000000000520

Purpose of Review:
Clinicians who seek to reduce the symptomatic burden of chronic breathlessness by initiating regular low dose morphine have the choice of immediate or sustained release formulations - which will be better for this often frail popu... Read More about Morphine for the symptomatic reduction of chronic breathlessness: the case for controlled release.

Activities forgone because of chronic breathlessness: a cross-sectional, population prevalence study (2020)
Journal Article
Kochovska, S., Chang, S., Morgan, D. D., Ferreira, D., Sidhu, M., Saleh Moussa, R., Johnson, M. J., Ekström, M., & Currow, D. C. (2020). Activities forgone because of chronic breathlessness: a cross-sectional, population prevalence study. Palliative Medicine Reports, 1(1), 166-170. https://doi.org/10.1089/pmr.2020.0083

Background
Chronic breathlessness is a prevalent, disabling syndrome affecting many people for years. Identifying the impact of chronic breathlessness on people’s activities in the general population is pivotal for designing symptom management strat... Read More about Activities forgone because of chronic breathlessness: a cross-sectional, population prevalence study.

Minimal clinically important differences in average, best, worst and current intensity and unpleasantness of chronic breathlessness (2020)
Journal Article
Ekström, M., Johnson, M. J., Huang, C., & Currow, D. C. (2020). Minimal clinically important differences in average, best, worst and current intensity and unpleasantness of chronic breathlessness. European respiratory journal, 56(2), Article 1902202. https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.02202-2019

Copyright ©ERS 2020. BACKGROUND: Chronic breathlessness has devastating consequences. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for current intensity has been estimated as 9 mm on a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS). We aimed to determine M... Read More about Minimal clinically important differences in average, best, worst and current intensity and unpleasantness of chronic breathlessness.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing burden from lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (2020)
Journal Article
Luckett, T., San Martin, A., Currow, D. C., Johnson, M. J., Barnes-Harris, M. M. M., & Phillips, J. L. (2020). A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing burden from lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Palliative medicine, 34(10), 1291-1304. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269216320940153

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer are both life-limiting diseases that confer burden in the form of symptoms and affect functioning and quality of life. Comparing burden between these diseases is of interest to determi... Read More about A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing burden from lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.