ORCID
- Allgar, Victoria: 0000-0002-5228-2623
Abstract
IntroductionOne-fifth of emergency department presentations by ambulance are due to acute-on-chronic breathlessness. We explored the feasibility of an evaluation-phase, cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT) of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a paramedic-administered, non-pharmacological breathlessness intervention for people with acute-on-chronic breathlessness at ambulance call-out (BREATHE) regarding breathlessness intensity and conveyance to hospital.MethodsThis mixed-methods, feasibility cRCT (ISRCTN80330546), randomised paramedics to usual care or intervention plus usual care. Retrospective patient consent to use call-out data (primary endpoint) and prospective patient/carer consent for follow-up was sought. Potential primary outcomes included breathlessness intensity (numerical rating scale) and conveyance. Follow-up included: interviews with patients/carers and questionnaires at 14 days, 1 and 6 months; paramedic focus groups and surveys.ResultsRecruitment was during COVID-19, with high demands on paramedics and fewer call-outs by eligible patients. We enrolled 29 paramedics; nine withdrew. Randomisation/trial procedures were acceptable.Paramedics recruited thirteen patients, not meeting recruitment target (n=36); eight patients and three carers were followed up. Data quality was good but insufficient for future sample size estimation.The intervention did not extend call-out time, was delivered with fidelity and was acceptable to patients, carers and paramedics. There were no repeat call-outs within 48 h. All trained paramedics strongly recommended BREATHE as a highly relevant, simple intervention.ConclusionPatient recruitment to target was not feasible during the pandemic. Training and intervention were acceptable and delivered with fidelity. Results include valuable information on recruitment, consent, attrition, and data collection that will inform the design and delivery of a definitive trial.
DOI
10.1183/23120541.00257-2022
Publication Date
2022-08-24
Publication Title
ERJ Open Research
Volume
8
Issue
4
Embargo Period
2022-10-29
Organisational Unit
Peninsula Medical School
Recommended Citation
Hutchinson, A., Allgar, V., Cohen, J., Currow, D., Griffin, S., Hart, S., Hird, K., Hodge, A., Mason, S., Northgraves, M., Reeve, J., Swan, F., & Johnson, M. (2022) 'Mixed-methods feasibility cluster randomised controlled trial of a paramedic-administered breathlessness management intervention for acute-on-chronic breathlessness (BREATHE): Study findings', ERJ Open Research, 8(4). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1183/23120541.00257-2022
