Education and implementation of home spirometry in an adolescent cystic fibrosis population

Abstract

Background: Lung function in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) is closely monitored as an objective marker of clinical status. The COVID-19 pandemic shifted our ability to assess individuals from in-person to remote monitoring using telehealth. As part of efforts to monitor individuals remotely during this time, this study describes the process of education and implementation of home spirometry in an adolescent CF population at Nemours Children's Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware, USA. In addition, this study reviews the ability of adolescents with CF to produce reliable, consistent, and accurate results using home spirometry.

Methods: This was a quality-improvement study over a 9-month period at a single CF center. Home spirometers were supplied by the CF Foundation to 40 adolescents with CF. An educational curriculum was used for initial training on the device by a dedicated CF respiratory therapist. After training, participants reported spirometry results weekly until reliable technique was established. Once reliable technique was achieved, participants reported results monthly. Results were retrospectively reviewed to determine accuracy and consistency. The percentages of patients who were able to achieve reliable, consistent, and accurate results were recorded as well as the need for additional training or other reasons for inability to produce ongoing results.

Results: Home spirometers were distributed to 40 adolescents. Out of these 40 participants, 35 (88%) completed initial training; 29 (83%) sent at least one set of results, and 24 (60%) established reliable technique after an average of 5 weekly attempts. When home spirometer results were retrospectively reviewed, 83% (20/24) were deemed accurate in comparison to spirometry completed in clinic, and 83% (20/24) showed consistency between efforts sent.

Conclusion: Home spirometry, when properly implemented with structured education and active participant engagement, has potential to provide meaningful data and feedback to CF care teams. Implementation of this process requires substantial resources and active participation from an adolescent population who are at higher risk for non-adherence. Future studies are needed to determine the impact of home spirometry on clinical outcomes and reliability over time and to address barriers to consistent and enduring engagement in the adolescent population.

Keywords: Adolescent; Cystic fibrosis; Home spirometry; Remote monitoring; Telemedicine.