Exploring Approaches to Improve Patient-Provider Collaboration and Communication

This curriculum is designed to meet the educational needs of pulmonologists, internists, rheumatologists, primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who provide care to patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and systemic sclerosis-interstitial lung disease.
Program Overview

Collaborative decision making that involves the patient and their caregivers is critical in developing treatment plans for patients with progressive fibrotic pulmonary disease. Patients must be empowered to engage in discussions about monitoring their disease, the spectrum of interventions that are available, expectations for treatment and the possibility of enrolling in clinical trials. In this podcast, Drs. Saketkoo and Zibrak will review key strategies for improving collaboration and shared decision making.

Is there a role for shared decision making in the care of patients with fibrotic lung disease?
What are the current approaches to treatment persistence and side effect management?
What patient communication points help support adherence to prescribed treatment regimens?
What opportunities are available for patients to be involved with clinical studies and future research efforts?
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be better able to:
• Describe the diseases associated with pulmonary fibrosis.
• Explain the current understanding of the pathophysiological processes leading to the development of fibrosis.
• Review current evidence supporting the use of antifibrotic therapy in patients with IPF.