Articles
Telemonitoring in cystic fibrosis: a single centre experience in a Tertiary Pediatric Hospital
ABSTRACT
Telemedicine during Covid-19 pandemic became a necessity to reach and follow up patients with chronic diseases. During this emergency period patients with cystic fibrosis required a follow-up reorganization to stay safe and to prevent cross-infections. The aim of this study was to explore the adherence to a telemonitoring program, patients’ clinical status and to measure the rate of satisfaction related to our telemedicine program thought for patients with cystic fibrosis enrolled in a tertiary paediatric hospital.
Fifty patients (M 29 age mean 35,6 y) were enrolled in a study period from 2020 to 2022 with a rate of transmission data of twice a week; 30 of them were monitore also for lung function with the MIR Spirobank (spirometer). The majority of data sent was during the Covid-19 pandemic with 1605 records forwarded; adherence was better particularly in females, and patients who lived farther away from our center. The FEV1 mean value was 74.8%, 74.2% and 74.0% in 2020, 2021 and 2022 respectively. Average response rate about satisfaction and utility of the offered telemedicine service was respectively 4,03 and 4,5 on a 5-point Likert scale.
Thanks to transmission of spirometric values in 30 patients, we have intercepted indirectly 14 potential bronchopulmonary exacerbations, studying the delta variation between spirometries executed along the pandemic period and the previous consecutive values, preventing the use of unnecessary antibiotics. Telemedicine could be a useful tool to be included in the follow-up of CF patients that could help families lowering the costs for frequent travels and containing the burden of healthcare management. Future efforts in chronic disease management should improve the use of telemedicine.
IMPACT STATEMENT
This brief report has the aim to underline the role of telemedicine in cystic fibrosis not only during Covid-19 pandemic period.
Received: Nov 06, 2023
Accepted: Feb 14, 2024
Published: Mar 1, 2024
