Open AccessThe impact of COVID‐19 upon the delivery of exercise services within cystic fibrosis clinics in the United Kingdom
Author(s) -
Tomlinson Owen W.,
Saynor Zoe L.,
Stevens Daniel,
Urquhart Don S.,
Williams Craig A.
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
the clinical respiratory journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.789
H-Index - 33
eISSN - 1752-699X
pISSN - 1752-6981
DOI - 10.1111/crj.13484
Subject(s) - telehealth , medicine , pandemic , covid-19 , cystic fibrosis , telemedicine , adaptation (eye) , healthcare delivery , physical therapy , family medicine , health care , nursing , disease , pathology , physics , outbreak , infectious disease (medical specialty) , optics , economics , economic growth
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.