Psychological assessment and intervention for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and for their caregivers: An interdepartmental project
Stefania Pozzi, Paola Prandoni, Emanuela De Juli, Umberto Mazza
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a rare pulmonary disease, characterised by a severe reduction in
respiratory function and poor prognosis. Symptoms such as a cough, dyspnoea, chest pain and asthma
limit patients’ social activities, thus worsening quality of life, and enhancing the risk of anxiety and
depression symptoms. As adjustment disorders may negatively impact on health status and compliance
to treatments, there is a need for psychological assessment and treatment, within the broad clinical
path of patients.
Given that Niguarda Hospital (Milan) is a reference centre within the regional network for rare
pulmonary diseases, a pilot-project of psychological assessment and intervention for patients with
idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and for their families has been proposed. The intervention aims to
empower resilience, reduce psychopathological risk, and enhance patients’ compliance to treatments
and quality of life. A secondary aim is to collect information potentially useful in improving social and
health care models for fragile patients with chronic and rare diseases.
Keywords
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, Interdisciplinary approach, Psychological assessment,
Psychological intervention.
