Anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy in a patient with HLA-B27 associated anterior uveitis and ankylosing spondylitis

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> Dyspnoea is a common and distressing symptom in advanced cancer patients. Our preliminary work shows that in the home palliative care population sampled for this study, the prevalence of dyspnoea is 29.5% and of those, 26.2% used oxygen therapy. Previous studies suggested that oxygen therapy can be a burden to patients. <h3>Purpose</h3> This study seeks to report the prevalence and describe the experience of dyspnoea, pattern of oxygen use, and patients9 perceived benefits and/or burdens of oxygen therapy in home palliative care patients receiving oxygen therapy. <h3>Methods</h3> Qualitative indepth interviews, using an interview guide, were conducted with eight participants in their homes. Thematic analysis was performed using a framework approach. <h3>Results</h3> All patients in this project used oxygen most of the time. The descriptions of shortness of breath varied and were non-specific. The patients identified more advantages than disadvantages. The advantages of oxygen use included increased functional capacity, patients9 perceiving oxygen as a life-saving intervention, as well as a symptom-management tool. The identified disadvantages were decreased mobility, discomfort related to the nasal prongs, barriers to accessing oxygen therapy and noise related to the equipment. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The advantages of oxygen usage outweighed the disadvantages for this sample of patients in the home palliative setting.