Fatigue and Breathlessness Management Course

Here at St Peters Hospice we run a course designed to help patients manage symptoms of fatigue and breathlessness and improve the quality of their life.

About the course:

Patients will be given the opportunity to discuss their symptoms in a supportive group setting and are encouraged to set some realistic goals.

The course runs for 6 weeks in Day Hospice at St Peter’s Hospice, Brentry on Tuesdays from 10.30am until 12.45pm.

The course consists of specific fatigue and breathlessness management advice, exercises and relaxation.

Referrals:

To ensure that patients are assessed as well enough to attend and gain longer term benefit from the course we will only accept referrals within 3 weeks of the next course starting.

The starting dates for the next 6 months are:

• Tuesday 28 February 2012 - Brentry
• Tuesday 24 April 2012 - This session will be an outreach venue based at Flax Bourton- we will not be able to accept patients needing continuous oxygen on this course. Any patient needing portable oxygen needs to be individually accountable for it’s supply and use
• Tuesday 12 June 2012 - Brentry
• Tuesday 31 July 2012 - Brentry
• Tuesday 18 September 2012 - Ridgeway Community Centre in Yate. This course will be run in an outreach venue, based at the Ridgeway Community Centre, so we will not be able to accept patients needing continuous oxygen on this course. Any patient needing portable oxygen needs to be individually accountable for its supply and use.
• Thursday 1 November 2012 - Brentry

Criteria:

• The patient is physically and mentally well enough to complete the 6 week course.
• The patient is suffering with fatigue and/or shortness of breath.
• The patient is willing and motivated to participate in all aspects of the course, including exercise, relaxation sessions and simple homework involving practicing techniques. If the patient is unable to participate in one aspect of the course (e.g. unable to stand to exercise, unable to do upper limb exercise) please give details.
• When referring non hospice patients it is the referrer’s responsibility to assess for transport and moving and handling needs and fill in the appropriate forms. If you have any questions regarding a patient’s suitability please discuss with a member of the team.

Programme Outline:

• Effects of Fatigue and introduction to exercise
• Energy conservation
• Understanding breathlessness
• Nutrition
• Having a good nights sleep
• Revision of course with carers, reviewing goals and the next step

Transport:

We hope patients or their family will be able to transport themselves to the hospice - there is a small café where family members can wait if they wish.

We are only able to offer transport to patients who can independently walk to, and get in and out of a car, as all our drivers are volunteers. The referrer is responsible for arranging transport for anyone who needs more assistance.

For more information please contact:

• Day Hospice: 0117 9159 469 
• Occupational Therapist: 0117 9159 463
• Physiotherapist: 0117 9159 461

Fatigue management referral form