Table 5.

Opportunities for enhancing HRQoL.

Strategies to Improve and Preserve HRQoL
Screening with review of systems; investigate and address other potential sarcoidosis manifestations.
Continually keep in mind that new or worsening symptoms may not be sarcoidosis.
Screening for treatment side effects to improve adherence and tolerability.
Screening for fatigue, assessment, and intervention for predominant causes.
Screening for impaired sleep quality and OSA.
Screening for and treating depression and anxiety.
Ensuring patient health literacy as a priority of treatment.
Essential clinician communication using shared-decision making regarding their interpretation of test results, disease severity, anticipated medication response, and prognosis.
Ascertain, through reflecting back to the patient’s understanding and opinion.
Recognition that disease activity may not be reflected in the results of the ‘objective’ tests and that lack of evidence on ‘objective’ testing does not preclude disease activity.
Anticipatory guidance regarding medication side effects.
Encouragement to perceive exercise as medicine, regardless of ability.
Referral for physical training and pulmonary rehabilitation for those with reduced exercise tolerance and unexplained fatigue. Patient engagement depends on their report of debilitation at any given time, as certain types of flares are globally incapacitating.
Publicize patient support group meetings as well as reliable patient education sources.
Preventive strategies for complications of disease or treatment: immunizations; medication monitoring, bone, and gastric protection; prophylactic antibiotic, as appropriate.
Opportunities for patients to learn skills for well-being, such as coping, mindfulness techniques, and organizational skills.