Bridging care gaps in pulmonary fibrosis: enhancing the patient journey

<bold>Background</bold> Addressing unmet needs of patients living with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is vital for improving outcomes. <bold>Aims and objectives</bold> To raise awareness of the unmet needs of patients living with PF and provide recommendations to enhance the patient journey post diagnosis. <bold>Methods</bold> This report summarises key insights from a patient advisory board of 11 participants from Australia, Canada, Europe and the US, including patients with PF, caregivers and advocacy representatives from national patient organisations (POs), representing diverse patient and family views. <bold>Results</bold> Empowering patients through accessible educational materials, immediate referral to POs, pulmonary rehabilitation and access to pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment – including psychological support, supplemental oxygen and end-of-life planning – is essential. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) must move away from a "watch-and-wait" approach and adopt a standardised, proactive treatment strategy that provides comprehensive treatment information, enabling patients to make informed decisions about their care. Timely intervention is crucial, as lost lung capacity in PF cannot be restored. Improving HCP communication through training focused on empathy, lay language and cultural sensitivity is vital. Collaboration among patients, POs, HCPs, pharmaceutical companies and policymakers is crucial for driving advocacy efforts and advancing institutional change within healthcare systems to recognise and implement integrated care. <bold>Conclusions</bold> Integrated, patient-directed care and global collaboration at all levels among stakeholders are essential to overcome barriers and improve outcomes for patients with PF.