International collaboration and development of a cystic fibrosis physiotherapy-specific telehealth toolkit

ABSTRACT

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a worldwide need for telehealth services. Previously providing services in remote communities, virtual consultations were implemented to accommodate the needs of people with CF (pwCF) who were shielding and unable to attend faceto- face consultations. Method: This group has compiled a CF Physiotherapist’s toolkit of essential elements necessary to enable delivery and promotion of safe, equitable virtual sessions, specific to pwCF. Through international collaboration and shared experience, the toolkitwas developed to support physiotherapists working across paediatric and adults with CF. Results: Centres implementing telehealth into routine care need rigorous methods to evaluate safety and effectiveness ensuring optimal care. Using telehealth for joint sessions with shared care centres, or during transitional periods, should be considered ensuring equitable access and specialised care for all. The health benefits of telehealth, the coincident enhanced control of cross infection and resource savings, to the hospital and the person/family with CF in time and travel costs, are invaluable. A blend of virtual and faceto- face consultations could be the mainstay of future CF care. CFTR modulator therapy, improved specialised care, and improving life expectancy is compelling clinicians to review current services, improve efficiencies and continually optimise care and health outcomes. Telehealth, may provide an option for alternative models of care which may not be suitable for all but should be considered as an option in future CF services. Conclusions: Using this toolkit, the CF Physiotherapist is provided with relevant guidance and support for delivery of online/virtual respiratory review, spirometry assessment, evaluation of inhalation therapy, airway clearance and exercise opportunities. The toolkit promotes an equitable translation from face-to-face care to virtual care and includes strategies for risk mitigation in the virtual setting.