Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A narrative synthesis of its hallmarks for palliative care clinicians Review


Authors: D'Andria Ursoleo, J.; Bottussi, A.; Sullivan, D. R.; D'Andria, C.; Smirnova, N.; Rosa, W. E.; Nava, S.; Monaco, F.
Review Title: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A narrative synthesis of its hallmarks for palliative care clinicians
Abstract: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a life-limiting condition and the third leading cause of death worldwide. People with COPD experience physical and psychological symptoms and functional limitations that impair their quality of life. Their caregivers face adverse clinical outcomes due to personal, social, and financial demands. As such, recent emphasis has been placed on early referral to palliative care services to enhance prognostic awareness, clarify goals of care, and manage symptoms. In this narrative synthesis of key aspects of COPD care, we propose practical, evidence-based strategies to integrate palliative care principles with conventional disease-directed treatments throughout the illness trajectory. We emphasize the importance of equipping clinicians caring for people with COPD with a thorough understanding of both the inherent disease complexities and the cornerstones of its multimodal management, including palliative care, to address the unique psychosocial and physical needs of this patient population. © 2025 European Federation of Internal Medicine
Keywords: clinical article; aged; review; palliative care; biological marker; quality of life; palliative therapy; evidence based practice; dyspnea; cause of death; caregiver; awareness; therapy; patient referral; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; chronic obstructive lung disease; end of life; narrative; clinical outcome; copd; clinician; illness trajectory; human; male; symptom management
Journal Title: European Journal of Internal Medicine
Volume: 133
ISSN: 0953-6205
Publisher: Elsevier BV  
Date Published: 2025-03-01
Start Page: 25
End Page: 34
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2024.12.033
PUBMED: 39794226
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: The MSK Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA008748) is acknowledge in the PDF -- Source: Scopus
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  1. William   Rosa
    199 Rosa