Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis management

摘要

Patients with an interstitial lung disease, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), have complex management needs. These include: home and ambulatory oxygen therapy; referral for lung transplantation; pulmonary rehabilitation; diagnosis and management of pulmonary hypertension; and psychosocial support. This care is best delivered by specialists and is driving the commissioning of specialist interstitial lung disease centres in the UK — bringing together the expertise needed for prompt and accurate diagnosis of IPF and for provision of ongoing care to patients at a regional level.