PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Burhan Khan
AU  - Hamid Aminy Raouf
TI  - A pleural information programme: For patients and training
DP  - 2012 Sep 01
TA  - European Respiratory Journal
PG  - P1282
VI  - 40
IP  - Suppl 56
4099  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/40/Suppl_56/P1282.short
4100  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/40/Suppl_56/P1282.full
SO  - Eur Respir J2012 Sep 01; 40
AB  - Background: Pleural effusions usually signify advanced disease, increased symptom load and limited life expectancy when malignant. They need prompt effective management, safely and with least possible inconvenience and discomfort. Patient choice is key and informed consent is crucial because of possible risks related to the invasive pleural intervention.Aim: To develop an interactive tool for healthcare professionals to illustrate and explain the various pleural modalities to patients and trainees.Method & Results: We initially used a focus group to determine the key areas, and then piloted it firstly amongst respiratory nurses, then amongst medical and non-medical persons and lastly amongst patients; all the while incorporating feedback into the final version. This was then reviewed and approved by the Trust's "Patient Information Group" panel.Conclusion: This is an easy to use programme that helps inform patients of the available management options, what they entail and the procedural steps, providing a platform for an open and informed discussion of the pros and cons of each procedure and the possible risks. It has also been proven to be a useful training tool as well.We hope to demonstrate the programme on tablets or screens at the ERS and disseminate and share amongst colleagues.