Telemedicine and cystic fibrosis: Do we still need face-to-face clinics?

E Dixon; K Dick; S Ollosson; D Jones; H Mattock; S Bentley; C Saunders; J Matthews; B Dobra; J King; C Edmondson; J C Davies

doi:10.1016/j.prrv.2021.05.002

Telemedicine and cystic fibrosis: Do we still need face-to-face clinics?

Paediatr Respir Rev. 2022 Jun:42:23-28. doi: 10.1016/j.prrv.2021.05.002. Epub 2021 May 19.

Authors

E Dixon¹, K Dick², S Ollosson³, D Jones⁴, H Mattock⁵, S Bentley⁶, C Saunders⁷, J Matthews², B Dobra⁸, J King⁸, C Edmondson⁸, J C Davies⁹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Paediatric Physiotherapy, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.
² Department of Paediatric Cystic Fibrosis, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.
³ Department of Paediatric Respiratory Physiology, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.
⁴ Department of Paediatric Dietetics, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.
⁵ Department of Paediatric Psychology, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.
⁶ Department of Pharmacy, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.
⁷ National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.
⁸ Department of Paediatric Cystic Fibrosis, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK; National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.
⁹ Department of Paediatric Cystic Fibrosis, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK; National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK. Electronic address: j.c.davies@imperial.ac.uk.

PMID: 34215541
DOI: 10.1016/j.prrv.2021.05.002

Abstract

There has been growing interest in telemedicine for cystic fibrosis over recent years based largely on convenience for patients and/or increasing the frequency of surveillance and early detection which, it is assumed, could improve treatment outcomes. During 2020, the covid-19 pandemic catalysed the pace of development of this field, as CF patients were presumed to be at high risk of infection. Most clinics adapted to digital platforms with provision of lung function monitoring and sample collection systems. Here, we present the views of multidisciplinary team members at a large paediatric CF centre on what has worked well and what requires further optimisation in the future. In response to the question posed, 'Do we still need face to face clinics?' our answer is 'Yes, but not every time, and not for everyone'.

Keywords: Cystic fibrosis; Home monitoring; Lung function; Physiotherapy; Psychology; Remote care; Spirometry; Telehealth; Telemedicine.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

COVID-19
Child
Cystic Fibrosis* / diagnosis
Cystic Fibrosis* / epidemiology
Cystic Fibrosis* / therapy
Humans
Pandemics
Telemedicine*