Find out what Australian researchers are publishing in palliative care 

The following lists palliative care research primarily conducted by Australian research groups. The list is based on application of the CareSearch search filter for palliative care to identify articles held within the PubMed database and corresponding to the strongest evidence. Articles have been selected based on relevance and new articles are added on a weekly basis.

Whilst not an exhaustive list, the aim is to keep the community informed by providing a snapshot of recent research findings and planned studies in the Australian setting.

23 April 2026

Multidisciplinary, non-pharmacological breathlessness intervention service for patients with moderately severe to severe COPD: a randomised controlled trial

Smith T. A, Roberts M. M, Luckett T, Cho J. G, Klimkeit E, Stephenson H, McCaffrey N, Kirby A, Wheatley J. R.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an often-progressive respiratory disease associated with disabling breathlessness. Breathlessness intervention services (BIS), which coach patients to self-manage breathlessness using non-pharmacological strategies, are effective in a variety of populations, including those with cancer and serious respiratory disease. This study aimed to compare the impact of the Westmead Breathlessness Service in people with moderate to severe COPD.

Methods: We analysed 113 participants randomised (1:1) with moderate/severe COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity <0.70 and FEV1 ≤60% predicted) and disabling breathlessness (modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Breathlessness Score ≥2) to either an 8-week intervention involving breathing techniques, handheld fan use, exercise, energy conservation, dietetic advice (n=54) or 8-week wait-list control group (n=59). The primary outcome was change in Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) Mastery of breathlessness subscale. Secondary outcomes included change in other CRQ subscales (Fatigue, Emotion and Dyspnoea), exertional breathlessness intensity/unpleasantness (0-10 Numerical Rating Scale Score), anxiety and depression. Difference in change over 8 weeks between groups was compared using ANCOVA; p<0.05 statistically significant.

Findings: Participants were aged 70.9 (±8.5) years, 50% female, mean FEV1 =0.8 L (±0.3 L; 34% predicted), mMRC Breathlessness Score 3 (IQR 3-4). CRQ-Mastery improved following intervention compared with control (between-group difference 0.5 units; 95% CI 0.2 to 0.8; p=0.0262) using modified intention-to-treat analysis. Better CRQ-Dyspnoea and CRQ-Fatigue were seen in the intervention group (between-group difference-CRQ-Dyspnoea 0.4 units; CI 0.1 to 0.7; p=0.005, and CRQ-Fatigue 0.4 units; CI 0.1 to 0.7; p=0.014). Exertional breathlessness intensity (difference -0.8 units; CI -1.4 to -0.2; p=0.013) and breathlessness unpleasantness (difference -1.2 units; CI -1.7 to -0.6; p=0.001) also improved.

Interpretation: An 8-week BIS improved CRQ-Mastery, Dyspnoea and Fatigue, exertional breathlessness intensity and unpleasantness in people with severe COPD.

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Last updated 30 April 2024