Telemedicine of patients with cystic fibrosis during the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVE: To describe then experience of implementing routine teleconsultations in respiratory physiotherapy at a reference center for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) in Rio de Janeiro / Brazil, during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Cross-sectional, descriptive, study with children and adolescents with CF. The sample was divided between participants and those who did not participate in the teleconsultations. The teleconsultations were multidisciplinary and carried out by videoconference or telephone, depending on the patient’s availability. The sequence of care provided by the team was organized together with the professionals, so that everyone could carry out individual and sequential teleconsultations. Physiotherapy appointments were divided into two segments: teleconsultation and telemonitoring. Demographic and clinical data were collected. RESULTS: Among the 184 patients assisted in the center, 153 (83.2%) participated in the teleservices and, of these, 33 (21.6%) required telemonitoring; 31 (16.8%) patients did not participate in the teleconsultations for not answering the calls. There was no statistical difference between the group that participated or not in teleservices, nor among those who participated in teleconsultations and telemonitoring. The mean age of the studied population was 7.0±0.4 years. Regarding the CFTR gene mutation, 64.7% had at least one F508del allele and 30.9% of the sample had no pathogens in the sputum test. CONCLUSIONS: Most participants with CF participated in teleconsultations, highlighting the importance of remote assistance activities during the COVID-19 pandemic period. This strategy was considered as positive, and it may become permanent in the care of patients with CF.