Other Titles
A Family-Engagement Dyspnea Care Program to Improve Patient Comfort & Family Caregiving Confidence in a Respiratory Care Ward [Poster Title]
Abstract
Background: Dyspnea is a frequent and distressing symptom among patients in respiratory care wards (RCWs), especially those requiring prolonged ventilatory support. Breathlessness contributes to anxiety, impaired communication, and reduced rehabilitation. Although family engagement improves patient comfort and care continuity, structured family-centered dyspnea interventions remain limited. Nurse practitioners (NPs) play a central role in patient–family communication and are well positioned to lead such programs.
Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and acceptability of an NP-led family-engagement dyspnea care program designed to reduce dyspnea and strengthen caregiving confidence in an RCW.
Methods: A quasi-experimental pre–post pilot study was conducted in an RCW of a regional medical center. Adult patients with moderate dyspnea and their primary caregivers received a 20-minute NP-led bedside education session and guided practice of three non-pharmacologic interventions: oral moisture care, accompanied rhythmic breathing (inhale 3 seconds; exhale 4–5 seconds), and assisted positioning (semi-Fowler or supported tripod). Each intervention required 10–12 minutes. Outcomes included dyspnea intensity (VAS, Borg Scale), respiratory and oxygenation parameters, and a validated caregiving confidence scale. Feasibility and satisfaction were assessed using structured feedback forms.
Results: Post-intervention, VAS dyspnea scores improved from 6.8 to 4.1 and Borg ratings from 5.3 to 3.2. Respiratory rate decreased and oxygen saturation improved. Caregiving confidence significantly increased, with families reporting greater preparedness and emotional connection. Participants rated the program as easy to learn, feasible to perform, and beneficial for reducing distress. The NP-led approach integrated smoothly into routine RCW practice.
Conclusion: This NP-led family-engagement dyspnea care program is feasible, acceptable, and effective in reducing breathlessness and enhancing patient comfort. It also strengthens family caregiving confidence and supports collaborative, patient-centered care. The low-cost, simple design makes it suitable for broader implementation in long-term ventilator care settings. Larger studies are recommended to confirm sustained benefits.
Notes
References:
1. Coyne, E., Dieperink, K. B., Østergaard, B., et al. (2021). Family involvement in care: A qualitative systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 77(8), 3361–3375.
2. Egerod, I., Laerkner, E., & Christensen, V. (2021). Caregiver involvement and training for ventilator-assisted patients: A qualitative synthesis. Intensive and Critical Care Nursing, 63, 102970.
3. Langer, S. G., & Furman, C. D. (2021). Nonpharmacologic interventions for dyspnea management. American Journal of Nursing, 121(4), 26–34.
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Poster
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Quasi-Experimental Study, Other
Research Approach
Quantitative Research
Keywords:
Long-Term Care, Sub-Acute Care, Interprofessional Initiatives, Treatment of Dyspnea, Respiratory Therapy, Human Comfort, Nurse Practitioners
Recommended Citation
Chang, Shih-Ying; Chang, Chia-Chi; Lin, Shih-Ying; and Wang, Cheng-Pei, "NP-Led Family-Assisted Dyspnea Management to Enhance Comfort in a Respiratory Ward" (2026). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 120.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2026/posters_2026/120
Conference Name
37th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Conference Year
2026
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2026-09-25
NP-Led Family-Assisted Dyspnea Management to Enhance Comfort in a Respiratory Ward
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Background: Dyspnea is a frequent and distressing symptom among patients in respiratory care wards (RCWs), especially those requiring prolonged ventilatory support. Breathlessness contributes to anxiety, impaired communication, and reduced rehabilitation. Although family engagement improves patient comfort and care continuity, structured family-centered dyspnea interventions remain limited. Nurse practitioners (NPs) play a central role in patient–family communication and are well positioned to lead such programs.
Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and acceptability of an NP-led family-engagement dyspnea care program designed to reduce dyspnea and strengthen caregiving confidence in an RCW.
Methods: A quasi-experimental pre–post pilot study was conducted in an RCW of a regional medical center. Adult patients with moderate dyspnea and their primary caregivers received a 20-minute NP-led bedside education session and guided practice of three non-pharmacologic interventions: oral moisture care, accompanied rhythmic breathing (inhale 3 seconds; exhale 4–5 seconds), and assisted positioning (semi-Fowler or supported tripod). Each intervention required 10–12 minutes. Outcomes included dyspnea intensity (VAS, Borg Scale), respiratory and oxygenation parameters, and a validated caregiving confidence scale. Feasibility and satisfaction were assessed using structured feedback forms.
Results: Post-intervention, VAS dyspnea scores improved from 6.8 to 4.1 and Borg ratings from 5.3 to 3.2. Respiratory rate decreased and oxygen saturation improved. Caregiving confidence significantly increased, with families reporting greater preparedness and emotional connection. Participants rated the program as easy to learn, feasible to perform, and beneficial for reducing distress. The NP-led approach integrated smoothly into routine RCW practice.
Conclusion: This NP-led family-engagement dyspnea care program is feasible, acceptable, and effective in reducing breathlessness and enhancing patient comfort. It also strengthens family caregiving confidence and supports collaborative, patient-centered care. The low-cost, simple design makes it suitable for broader implementation in long-term ventilator care settings. Larger studies are recommended to confirm sustained benefits.
Description
This NP-led pilot introduced a family-supported approach to dyspnea care in a respiratory ward. Through moisture care, guided rhythmic breathing, and supportive positioning, patients showed clear pre–post reductions in breathlessness and better oxygenation. Families reported increased confidence and a stronger caregiving bond. This low-cost, clinically grounded model offers a promising direction for advancing bedside dyspnea management.