In this article titled “Physicians’ and patients’ expectations of therapies for pulmonary arterial hypertension: where do they meet?” the authors say that improved care in pulmonary arterial hypertension has led to increased longevity for patients, with a paralleled evolution in the nature of their needs. There is more focus on the impact of the disease on their day-to-day activities and quality of life, they add, and a holistic approach is coming to the front of pulmonary arterial hypertension management, which places the patient at the centre of their own healthcare. Patients are thus becoming more proactive, involved and engaged in their self-care, and this engagement is an important factor if patient outcomes are to improve. In addition, involvement of the patient may improve their ability to cope with pulmonary arterial hypertension, as well as help them to become effective in the self-management of their disease. Successful patient engagement can be achieved through effective education and high-quality information. A multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals, carers, patient associations and expert patient programmes can also encourage patients to engage. Strategies that promote patient engagement can help to achieve the best possible care and support for the patient and also benefit healthcare providers.
Citation
Physicians’ and patients’ expectations of therapies for pulmonary arterial hypertension: where do they meet? Luke S. Howard, Pisana Ferrari, Sanjay Mehta, European Respiratory Review 2014 23: 458-468; DOI: 10.1183/09059180.00007514
Full text of the article can be dowloaded from the European Respiratory Review’s web page at this link