RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Contributions of a hand-held fan to self-management of chronic breathlessness JF European Respiratory Journal JO Eur Respir J FD European Respiratory Society SP 1700262 DO 10.1183/13993003.00262-2017 VO 50 IS 2 A1 Tim Luckett A1 Jane Phillips A1 Miriam J. Johnson A1 Morag Farquhar A1 Flavia Swan A1 Teresa Assen A1 Priyanka Bhattarai A1 Sara Booth YR 2017 UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/50/2/1700262.abstract AB This study explored the benefits of a hand-held fan as perceived by patients with chronic breathlessness and their carers.A secondary multimethod analysis was conducted of interview data collected in three clinical trials. Two researchers independently coded level of benefit qualitatively reported by each patient. Univariate and multivariate statistics were used to explore perceived benefit as a factor of sex, age and diagnosis. Qualitative analysis used an integrative method.133 patients commented on the fan, of whom 72 had a carer. Diagnoses included nonmalignant (n=91, 68.4%) and malignant (n=21, 15.8%) conditions. Of 111 patients who provided codable data, four (3.6%) perceived no benefit, 16 (14.4%) were uncertain, 80 (72.0%) perceived some benefit and 11 (10.0%) perceived very substantial benefit. Multivariate analysis was inconclusive. Benefit was described in terms of shorter recovery time, especially after activity. 10 (7.5%) patients said the fan reduced their need for home oxygen or inhaled β-agonist medications. Negative perceptions of a few included dislike of the cooling sensation and embarrassment in public.Findings suggest that a hand-held fan is a portable intervention with few disadvantages from which most patients with chronic breathlessness will derive benefit alongside other nonpharmacological and pharmacological strategies. Research is needed to optimise guidance on fan administration.A hand-held fan is a portable intervention with few disadvantages likely to benefit those with chronic breathlessness http://ow.ly/mWB830bFoac