Insights into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patient attitudes on ventilatory support

A large proportion of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients do not actually discuss ventilation and other end-of-life issues in the stable state. Such discussions often occur during the exacerbation itself. There is a paucity of data regarding attitudes of COPD patients toward end-of-life attitudes in general and specifically concerning the area of ventilatory support.

The majority of COPD patients feel end-of-life discussions are warranted in the stable state. Some studies have shown that increasing age and the presence of depression preclude patients from choosing life-sustaining treatment, whereas physicians were often inaccurate in judging patient preference for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and ventilation as they frequently underestimated patient quality of life. Patient information sheets and other tools may have a role as decision aids in end-of-life discussions.

Physicians should consider the discussion of end-of-life issues preferably when patients are stable. Decision aids may prove to be a valuable adjunct in framing treatments such as mechanical ventilation.