Why people with chronic breathlessness go to the ED

What is it about?

We wanted to understand why breathless people present to the ED so we interviewed some along with their carers. We found there were 4 main reasons: some were reluctant to seek help until crisis when family carers were often involved in the decision to present. Others had previous poor experiences of help-seeking for breathlessness in the community and turned to the ED by default. Some had supportive primary clinicians and presented to the ED either on their clinician’s recommendation or because their clinician was unavailable.

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Why is it important?

This in-depth interview study shows the decision to present to the ED is made in serious crisis informed by previous experience. A primary care review of the reason for presentation and current management may improve care and reduce the need for future presentation.