Brit J Hosp Med
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Trainees around the world have experienced significant challenges to their personal life and training as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many have felt the psychological and physical impacts of working during the COVID-19 pandemic. ⋯ It discusses general measures the trainee can take to mitigate the challenges this has caused, categorised into personal, planning and educational resources, and measures focussed on certain challenges. Finally, the vital importance of support for trainees is described, including peer support, departmental resources and the growing array of online material.
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People with severe and difficult to control asthma can be a complex and heterogenous group of patients often with multiple comorbidities. Living with this disease imposes a huge physical and psychological burden upon the patient which requires a comprehensive, systematic and patient-focused assessment, using a wide range of clinical expertise from within the multidisciplinary team. This article describes a severe asthma systematic and multidimensional day case assessment, and the positive benefits that the authors perceive it offers for patient care. ⋯ As a consequence, they believe that this facilitates better patient outcomes through a reduction in corticosteroid exposure, exacerbations and hospitalisation. This severe asthma multidisciplinary team day case approach offers more than just physical benefits when compared with the traditional medical model. Patient feedback reports an excellent patient experience, feeling listened to, understood, empowered and hopeful for the future.
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Interstitial lung diseases are a complex group of conditions that cause inflammation and scarring of the lung interstitium. This article discusses the diagnosis and management of common interstitial lung diseases including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, connective tissue disease associated-interstitial lung disease, sarcoidosis and drug-induced interstitial lung disease. ⋯ Advances, including the development of the disease-modifying anti-fibrotic medications nintedanib and pirfenidone, continue to shape the future management of interstitial lung disease. A holistic approach to the care of patients with interstitial lung disease is paramount, as they often have a high symptom burden and considerable palliative care needs.
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a prevalent condition in the UK, associated with high morbidity and mortality. Hospital physicians manage a significant portion of acute chronic obstructive pulmonary disease admissions to hospital and readmissions after discharge. Optimal management of exacerbations requires controlled oxygen therapy and ventilatory support where necessary, and careful administration of bronchodilators, steroids and antibiotics. ⋯ Where available, hospital-at-home discharge schemes can safely facilitate early discharge. Most importantly, high quality evidence-based smoking cessation support must be offered to smokers. Exercise improves the physiological and psychological condition of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and should be encouraged, with referral to a pulmonary rehabilitation service if available.