Actions that specialist physicians can take to improve communication with patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) (proposed by focus groups of patients and carers)
| Use plain language, and be honest and empathetic |
| Allow adequate time for questions |
| Ensure there is a follow-up appointment (or telephone/e-mail contact) 1–4 weeks after diagnosis, when the patient has had time to digest their diagnosis and to formulate questions |
| Tailor information to the individual; the needs of each patient will be different and will change over time |
| Explain all treatment options to a patient, even those that are not an option for them (and explain why) |
| Encourage patients to keep a health diary and to report any changes in their health at each appointment |
| Explain the importance of remaining physically active |
| Address any concerns with treatments for IPF or comorbidities |
| Arrange a point of contact for the patient who can be contacted outside of scheduled appointments |
| Raise the issue of end-of-life planning with the patient when it is a medical imperative or the patient requests information |
| Provide prompt access to a team trained in dealing with end-of-life issues |
Reproduced and modified from [25] with permission.