Oxygen to relieve dyspnoea in non-hypoxaemic patients with end-stage heart failure [ 2007 - 2015 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Patricia Davidson (Principal investigator) ,  Prof David Currow ,  Prof Dominic Leung ,  Prof Geoffrey Tofler ,  Prof Henry Krum
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Brief description Chronic heart failure is a cause of suffering and a major cause of death in the Australian community. Patients who have chronic heart failure suffer from a range of symptoms that severely impacts every aspect of their life. One of the most common and distressing symptoms is breathlessness. As people with heart failure near death, their breathlessness may worsen not only in terms of its frequency, but also in its intensity. This worsening of symptoms is a source of great distress, both to patients as well as their carers and family. Breathlessness is also the most common cause of admission to hospital for patients. A key strategy for managing this distressing symptom in the home is the supply of oxygen. However, due to a lack of scientific evidence for the benefit of home oxygen for people with heart failure, who do not necessarily have low levels of oxygen, it is very difficult for clinicians to access this therapy for their patients. This study seeks to assess if a specific breathlessness action plan alone or if the addition of either oxygen or air can relieve this distressing symptom. The scientific evaluation of these strategies will assist in improving the palliative care of people with chronic heart failure.

Funding Amount $AUD 445,658.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Strategic Awards

Notes Palliative Care Research