Source: International Congress 2016 – Pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary embolism: from the bench to the bedside
Disease area: Pulmonary vascular diseases

Abstract

IntroductionIntravenous (IV) prostacyclin therapy in patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension can be associated with life-threatening complications. Patient education and confidence in local healthcare services is critical to ensuring prompt treatment of such complications. We evaluated patient's understanding of potential complications and their attitudes towards local healthcare services.MethodsPatients established on IV prostacyclin therapy were identified. Patients were counselled prior to receiving IV prostacyclin and subsequently completed a questionnaire assessing their level of understanding.ResultsTen patients were identified and agreed to participate; median distance from home to their specialist centre was 35 miles.All patients agreed or strongly agreed that they were confident in managing their pump. 8 patients reported not being aware of how long it was safe to keep their pump disconnected. 3 patients were not aware of the correct course of action to take in the event of pump failure and 3 patients did not know their correct dose. Only 3 patients felt confident in their local emergency department being able to manage any complications.ConclusionsPatients seem to require additional education. Strategies to ensure prompt recognition of complications and enhance patient confidence with local healthcare is necessary. We present a patient information card, which may assist achieving these goals.



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Sara Tyebally (London, United Kingdom), Sara Tyebally, Ann Sturdy, Arif Khokhar, Lisa Parfitt, Carl Harries, Laura Price, John Wort, Rafa Alonso, Kostas Dimopoulos, Michael Gatzoulis. Intravenous prostacyclin for pulmonary hypertension: Patient’s perspective on complications. Eur Respir J 2016; 48: Suppl. 60, 2481

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