Patient Reported Experiences and Delays During the Diagnostic Pathway for Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Multinational European Survey

ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

Front. Med., 04 August 2021 |

From the onset of symptoms to diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis, the patient journey involves delays at each stage of the diagnostic pathway. Most of these delays are avoidable. Based upon our findings, there is a particular need to raise awareness of pulmonary fibrosis in the general population. Additionally, patients' experiences highlight the need for understandable information concerning the diagnostic tests performed, differential diagnosis, final diagnosis, and treatments as well as peer support groups. Improving several aspects of the diagnostic pathway for pulmonary fibrosis is therefore warranted to minimise delays and improve patient satisfaction throughout Europe.

Read the article here: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2021.711194/full