The impact of COVID‐19 upon the delivery of exercise services within cystic fibrosis clinics in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedent changes to clinical practice, and as the impact upon delivery of exercise services for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) in the United Kingdom was unknown, this was characterised via a national survey.Methods: An electronic survey was distributed to healthcare professionals involved in the exercise management of CF via established professional networks.Results: In total, 31 CF centres participated. Findings included significant reductions in exercise testing and widespread adaptation to deliver exercise training using telehealth methods. Promisingly, 71% stated that they would continue using virtual methods of engaging patients in future practice. Conclusion:These findings highlight adaptation to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to develop sustainable and standardised telehealth services to manage patients moving forwards.

A systematic review to explore how exercise-based physiotherapy via telemedicine can promote health related benefits for people with cystic fibrosis

“…This clearly shows the evolution towards online-based interventions within CF healthcare and a shift away from traditional methods. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the acceptance and use of telemedicine in pwCF and their clinical teams [ 34 ], as well as the general population. This aligns with the long term plans of the UK National Health Service, whereby the role of technology and telehealth is anticipated to substantially grow in the coming years [ 35 , 36 ].…”

“…The challenges will be recruitment to increase sample sizes, and provide robust statistical evidence that informs evidence-based guidelines and clinical practice. However, as this modality of intervention delivery is likely now a permanent fixture for CF in a post-pandemic landscape [ 34 ], it is likely that higher quality interventions will be developed and implemented in years to come.…”

Survey of exercise testing and training in cystic fibrosis clinics in the UK: a decade of progress

“…A further 13 questions were asked about the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on clinical practice; however, these data have been reported separately. 24 …”

Adapting, restarting, and terminating a randomised control trial for people with cystic fibrosis: Reflections on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic upon research in a clinical population

“…At the same time as these deleterious impacts upon patients, there were simultaneous changes in healthcare management, such as transitions in delivery of CF services to an online model [ 26 ] and reallocation of clinical staff within hospitals [ 27 ]. This meant included pausing and adapting research studies [ 28 ], and prioritisation of COVID-19 oriented trials [ 29 , 30 ].…”