Experiences of patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
What are the experiences of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)?
IRAS ID
179543
Contact name
Louise Hooley
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, days
Research summary
The aim of this study is to discover in depth knowledge of the experiences of patients with mild to moderate IPF. In particular, the study will aim to elucidate common themes and differences in experiences of illness to build understanding of how IPF affects people with the illness. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013) described IPF as a progressive and chronic, fibrotic interstitial lung disease. Most patients who have IPF suffer from dyspnoea, initially on exertion, but over a period of time these symptoms correlate with a decrease in lung function, a reduction of their quality of life and finally death (NICE, 2013). The median survival rate is approximately 3 years, with 20 % of people with IPF surviving for 5 years or more (NICE, 2013). Ravaglia et al (2013) places the median survival rate at 3.5 to 5.5 years, with a rate of development being variable from patient to patient. Some patients experience a slow progression, others a rapid deterioration, with some experiencing periods of relative stability interrupted with periods of acute decline (Ravaglia et al (2013). There is currently no cure for IPF. A qualitative research approach will be used for this study, because the only people who can give details of their experiences of having IPF are the people who have IPF. Semi-structured interviews will be used for the study, which will allow participants to go in their own direction and truly give a picture of their own feeling, experiences, wishes and needs. This allows the researcher to uncover their true experiences and feelings in relation to their disease. A purposive sample of approximately 10 participants will be recruited for the study.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0630
Date of REC Opinion
4 Sep 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion