A cross-sectional evaluation of the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patient satisfaction and quality of life with a care coordinator

Access to specialized multidisciplinary teams is recommended by international guidelines as best-treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), an incurable progressive fibrotic lung disease with poor prognosis (1-3). Optimal IPF patient management may include access to a dedicated team of allied health care providers, including a care coordinator, that understands the benefits and potential adverse effects of anti-fibrotic therapy and multifaceted symptomatic management of patients. Specialized care teams have proven effective in the management of complex disease states including stroke, musculoskeletal disorders, and cancer metastasis (4-6). These teams have been associated with improvements in prognosis, patient independence and satisfaction. Patient satisfaction has been identified as a key outcome in effective IPF patient-centered care (2)