Anticipating PTSD in severe COVID survivors: the case for screen-and-treat.

Based on research from previous pandemics, studies of critical care survivors, and emerging COVID-19 data, we estimate that up to 30% of survivors of severe COVID will develop PTSD. PTSD is frequently undetected across primary and secondary care settings and the psychological needs of survivors may be overshadowed by a focus on physical recovery. Delayed PTSD diagnosis is associated with poor outcomes. There is a clear case for survivors of severe COVID to be systematically screened for PTSD, and those that develop PTSD should receive timely access to evidence-based treatment for PTSD and other mental health problems by multidisciplinary teams.

Basados en la investigación de pandemias previas, los estudios de los sobrevivientes a cuidados críticos, y los datos emergentes de COVID-19, estimamos que hasta un 30% de los sobrevivientes del COVID grave desarrollarán TEPT. El TEPT es frecuentemente subdetectado en los servicios de salud primarios y secundarios y las necesidades psicológicas de los sobrevivientes puede verse eclipsadas por un enfoque en la recuperación física. El diagnóstico tardío de TEPT se asocia con pobres resultados. Existe un caso claro para que los sobrevivientes del COVID grave sean evaluados sistemáticamente para detectar el TEPT, y aquellos que desarrollan un TEPT deben tener acceso oportuno a tratamientos basados en la evidencia para el TEPT y para otros problemas de salud mental por equipos multidisciplinarios.

It's hard to talk about breathlessness: a unique insight from respiratory trainees .

This paper describes how difficult it can be to discuss the experience of breathlessness with patients, as identified by respiratory trainees in a psychology-led workshop. The reasons why it is considered an essential role for clinicians to facilitate conversations about patients' breathlessness are outlined within the context of the challenges of respiratory care. The benefits for both patient and clinician are described including rapport building, more focused and targeted consultations, and increasing a patient's receptivity to interventions. The value of preparing a patient to actively engage with their breathlessness management is highlighted. As a way to support clinicians to initiate talk about breathlessness, a 'five-step guide to talking' is presented.

Managing respiratory disease.

The diverse and evolving role of a psychologist within a respiratory multidisciplinary team (MDT) is described, providing a working model for service provision. The rationale for appointing a psychologist within a respiratory MDT is presented first, citing relevant policy and research and outlining the wider psychosocial impact of respiratory disease. This is followed by an insight into the psychologist's role by highlighting important areas, including key therapy themes and the challenge of patient engagement. The way in which the psychologist supports the collective aims and aspirations of respiratory colleagues to provide a more holistic package of care is illustrated throughout.

A psychological intervention for smoking cessation delivered as treatment for smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Multiple needs of a complex group and recommendations for novel service development.

This pilot study investigated the benefits of adjunctive psychological intervention for smokers accessing standard smoking cessation interventions. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) smokers attending a smoking cessation service were offered up to 12 adjunctive clinical psychology sessions. Baseline data included demographics, smoking history, and disease severity. Outcomes included attendance and quit rate. In all, 59 patients with moderate COPD were referred. Of the 20 patients who attended training sessions, 7 (35%) were relapse prevention referrals and 13 (65%) were current smokers. Of the seven relapse prevention referrals, six (86%) maintained their quit, 2 of 13 (15%) of the current smoker group maintained a 28-day quit and 3 of 13 (23%) of current smokers reduced their tobacco intake. For COPD smokers with a heavy smoking history and multiple past quit attempts, there was insufficient evidence to show that additional psychological intervention leads to higher quit rates. Significant barriers to quitting and complex medical and psychosocial needs were identified in this group, suggesting that the current 'one-size-fits-all' approach to smoking cessation may not be sufficient to meet the needs of such a complex group.