PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Samantha Harrison AU - Lindsay Apps AU - Mick Steiner AU - Sally Singh AU - Noelle Robertson TI - Consumed by breathlessness - A critical interpretative synthesis DP - 2012 Sep 01 TA - European Respiratory Journal PG - P3538 VI - 40 IP - Suppl 56 4099 - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/40/Suppl_56/P3538.short 4100 - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/40/Suppl_56/P3538.full SO - Eur Respir J2012 Sep 01; 40 AB - Background: COPD is characterised by acute exacerbations (AE) often prompting hospital admission. The application of The Common Sense Model suggests that scrutinising the reported experiences of AE and increasing understanding of appraisals of AE may suggest ways to target interventions.Methods: A systematic review was conducted. The terms: exacerbate* OR hospital* AND “Chronic obstructive” OR emphysema OR bronchitis AND interview* OR qualitative were used to search electronic databases. Inclusion criteria included: primary research published in English of the patient's experience of an AE COPD, using qualitative methodologies. 8 full text papers were included. Data were extracted by 3researchers and constructs elicited by 2researchers via Reciprocal Translational Analysis.Findings: Themes reflected 3 stages of understanding an AE: 1. Acute effect - intense emotions, somatic awareness, need for rescue. 2. Recurrent impact –ongoing beliefs and behaviour, life interrupted. 3. Systems engagement - help-seeking, faith in the professional.Conclusions: Patients are fearful of their symptoms, this prompts constant vigilance and increased passivity. Targeted interventions that acknowledge intense fear and shape appraisals and acceptance may reduce distress and improve focus of self-management messages.