Improvement of Dyspnea
Improvement in the dyspnea outcome is demonstrated by an increase in the percentage of patients who become less short of breath or dyspneic. Higher percentages are better. Breathing sufficiently to perform normal activities of daily living (ADLs) improves the quality of a patient's life. The home health staff observe and evaluate the level of shortness of breath during a 20-foot walk. Severity of dyspnea is measured by the frequency the patient stops to catch their breath. Home health staff should evaluate the need for any special assistive devices or equipment and train patients on their use.