Psychological palliative care for patients with interstitial lung disease in Japan: A secondary analysis of a National Survey of Japanese Respiratory Physicians

Résumé fourni par la source

BACKGROUND: Patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) often experience psychological symptoms. This study aimed to clarify the status of psychological support for patients with ILD in Japan. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis on a nationwide survey of Japanese respiratory physicians to assess psychological support availability, consultation departments, reasons for palliative care referrals, and opinions on insurance coverage for psychologist-led psychotherapy. RESULTS: Of 1332 respondents, 1023 managed patients with ILD in the previous year. Among them, 34.5 % reported no psychological support availability and 42.9 % reported insufficient support. Psychiatry or psychosomatic medicine departments were consulted by 77.3 %, and palliative care teams by 52.2 %. Anxiety (47.4 %) and depression (44.6 %) were the reasons for palliative care referral. Overall, 93.6 % considered insurance coverage for psychologist-led psychotherapy helpful or essential. CONCLUSIONS: Most physicians lack adequate psychological support resources for ILD despite frequent psychological symptoms. Systematic development of support structures and insurance coverage are needed.

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