Understanding facilitators and barriers to oxygen therapy for patients with interstitial lung disease.

BACKGROUND

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is comprised of a heterogeneous group of pulmonary diseases. Oxygen therapy is used in patients with advanced lung disease; however, there are challenges associated with initiation of oxygen therapy specific to individuals with ILD. The key objectives of this study were to create a common understanding of the facilitators and barriers to oxygen therapy for patients with ILD, and healthcare professionals (HCP) caring for patients with ILD.

METHODS

This qualitative study included 1 hour semistructured focus groups/interviews. An iterative and concurrent process was used for data collection and analysis to allow for supplementary development of themes and concepts generated. Data analysis used a three-phase approach: coding, categorising and development of themes.

RESULTS

A total of 20 patients and/or caregivers and 31 HCP took part in 34 focus groups/interviews held over 3 months (November 2022-January 2023). Facilitators to oxygen therapy were identified including support from HCP and support groups, the perseverance and self-advocacy of patients, a straightforward administrative process and vendors/private industry that expedite access to oxygen therapy. There were also several barriers to accessing oxygen therapy for patients with ILD. The themes identified include rural disparity, testing requirements and qualifying for funding and the need for ILD-specific evidence base for oxygen therapy.

CONCLUSION

Further research is needed to facilitate development of specific exertional oxygen criteria for patients with ILD, to create supports for oxygen use and monitoring and to enable providers to tailor therapy to patients. Oxygen therapy education for ILD should address the benefits and risks of oxygen therapy.

Informations de copyright

© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.

Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

Competing interests: KAJ reports grants and personal fees from Boehringer-Ingelheim, grants and personal fees from Three Lakes Foundation, personal fees from Pliant Therapeutics, Hoffman La Roche Ltd, and Brainomix Ltd, and grants from University Hospital Foundation, outside the submitted work. MS has received consulting fees, speaker fees and grants from Boehringer-Ingelheim in the past 36 months. MKS has received grants from Alberta Boehringer-Ingelheim Interstitial Lung Disease collaboration and University Hospital Foundation, and consulting and honaria from Boehringer-Ingelheim. GF has received grants from the University of Alberta and Alberta Innovates and has received honoria from Boehringer-Ingelheim, Astra Zeneca, Roche and Fondazione Menarini, he has participated on an advisory board from both Boehringer-Ingelheim and Roche.