TY - JOUR T1 - Communicating with patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: can we do it better? JF - ERJ Open Research JO - erjor DO - 10.1183/23120541.00422-2021 VL - 8 IS - 1 SP - 00422-2021 AU - Marlies S. Wijsenbeek AU - Francesco Bonella AU - Leticia Orsatti AU - Anne-Marie Russell AU - Claudia Valenzuela AU - Wim A. Wuyts AU - Walter F. Baile Y1 - 2022/01/01 UR - http://openres.ersjournals.com/content/8/1/00422-2021.abstract N2 - Communications between clinicians and patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have the potential to be challenging. The variable course and poor prognosis of IPF complicate discussions around life expectancy but should not prevent clinicians from having meaningful conversations about patients’ fears and needs, while acknowledging uncertainties. Patients want information about the course of their disease and management options, but the provision of information needs to be individualised to the needs and preferences of the patient. Communication from clinicians should be empathetic and take account of the patient's perceptions and concerns. Models, tools and protocols are available that can help clinicians to improve their interactions with patients. In this article, we consider the difficulties inherent in discussions with patients with IPF and their loved ones, and how clinicians might communicate with patients more effectively, from breaking the news about the diagnosis to providing support throughout the course of the disease.Communication from clinicians to patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis should be empathetic, and take account of the patient's perceptions and concerns. Tools are available to help clinicians improve their interactions with patients with IPF. https://bit.ly/3BWjA7h ER -