Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: the role of the respiratory advanced nurse practitioner

With escalating demands and economic limitations in the health sector, the Irish government has implemented a strategy to increase the number of advanced nurse practitioners caring for patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). There are more than 200 different types of ILD, which are identified by features such as inflammation and fibrosis of the lung interstitium. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common; it is a life-limiting lung disease with a median survival period of 3-5 years. Symptoms include breathlessness, cough, fatigue and anxiety. Treatment options are limited, and include medications to slow progression, exercise and oxygen therapy. Patient care has advanced as a result of using evidence-based practice set out in National Institute for Health Excellence guidelines and the Irish Thoracic Society position statement on IPF. The availability of resources and patient preferences can influence treatment options. The respiratory advanced nurse practitioner is in a unique position to manage the care of the person with IPF holistically, through patient education, symptom management, pulmonary rehabilitation and palliative care. The development of a national clinical care programme for ILD could facilitate standardised care and outcomes for patients.