Parents’ feedback on virtual paediatric cystic fibrosis clinics during COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic led to cancellation of all face-to-face clinics in our health board in mid-March 2020. Overnight we had to develop an alternative service for our cystic fibrosis children. We set up video clinics from end of March 2020 using Webex initially and then Attend Anywhere when this became available in July 2020. We also arranged supplies of rescue antibiotics at home and arranged to collect cough swabs from patients’ doorsteps. Objectives: To obtain feedback from parents on the cystic fibrosis service provided during COVID-19 pandemic, including virtual clinics, and to get their opinion about use of virtual cystic fibrosis clinics post COVID-19. Methods: Short questionnaire was devised and e-mailed to parents in January 2021. Results: 23 of 26 questionnaires have been returned to date. 100% were very satisfied with service provided during the COVID-19 pandemic and 78%were very satisfied, with 17% satisfied with use of virtual consultations. Mean score for ease of use of Attend Anywhere was 9.4 out of 10. 74% were very satisfied and 22% satisfied that their needs were met via virtual consultations. 39% were very satisfied, 35% satisfied with alternate virtual and face-to-face clinic appointments post-COVID-19. Concerns were raised around no clinical examination and delays in replacing physiotherapy equipment with virtual appointments. Areas suggested for improvement included the ability to do lung function at home. Conclusion: Parents were supportive of the use of virtual clinics during COVID-19 but there were mixed views with continuing virtual clinics post-COVID-19.