Virtual Care for Cystic Fibrosis: Experience from Galway University Hospital

We were delighted to watch a recent Sláintecare webinar which featured members of the cystic fibrosis (CF) multidisciplinary team at Galway University Hospital (GUH) discussing their virtual care programme for adults with CF. 

The virtual care programme at GUH combines remote monitoring using the patientMpower platform in combination with video conferencing to deliver patient-centred specialist care in patients’ own home. Whilst initially designed to provide physiotherapy services, Stephen Bradish, Senior Physiotherapist at GUH, explained having this system in place meant there was no disruption to any part of the CF service when COVID hit. Patients could attend the CF clinic virtually, speak to every member of the CF team and have the vast majority of parameters measured just as they would in the hospital. 

Audit of the programme after 12 months versus the previous 12 months found multiple benefits. 

Access to Care

• 11 fold increase in number of physiotherapy appointments delivered
• Zero did not attend (DNA) rate 
• 58% increase in the number of adults access physiotherapy 

Quality of Life and Symptom Scores

• 28% increase in patient reported quality of life (as assessed by CFQ-UK)
• 39% improvement in patient reported symptom score (as assessed by CFRSD)

Cost of Care

• 65% reduction in length of hospital stay (7.75 days to 4.25 days)
• €2,400 per patient per annum savings in bed occupancy
  
  

Patient Time and Money Savings

• 29 hours per patient per year saved in travel time 
• €898 per patient per year saved in fuel and car-parking charges
• 34 days saved in missed attendance from work or education for patients and carers

Environmental Impact

• 284 kg carbon reduction from travel avoidance

Patient Experience

• 100% of patients said they would like to see the service continue
• “Hugely positive” patient feedback

The virtual service is now being extended to children and adolescents managed at GUH. 

To learn more about how our solutions for CF can support you and your patients don’t hesitate to get in touch.