Implementation of the treatable traits approach in a regional clinic: Improving health outcomes in adults with bronchiectasis

Objectives Treatable traits are identifiable and treatable features of disease. The primary objective was to evaluate whether a bronchiectasis clinic in a regional setting, implementing a treatable traits approach, would lead to improvements in quality of life. Secondary objectives were to evaluate clinic implementation outcomes, annual exacerbations and hospitalisation. Methods An implementation study. Adults with bronchiectasis attending an outpatient clinic in Rockhampton, Australia between 2021 and 2023 were recruited. Clinical care was implemented by a physiotherapist and nurses according to traits identified. Quality of life (QoL-Bronchiectasis respiratory symptom score (QoL-B rs), Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) total score) was evaluated at baseline, three and 12-months from first attendance. Implementation outcomes were determined by clinic appointment uptake and attendance and pulmonary rehabilitation uptake and completion at 12-months. Exacerbation frequency and hospitalisation for the 12-months before and after enrolment were compared. Results 50 participants were recruited [mean (SD) age 71 (12) years; Bronchiectasis Severity Index (%) mild (22) moderate (44) severe (34)]. There was a significant improvement in QoL at three and 12-months from baseline (mean difference, 95% CI) [3 months: QoL-B rs 9.2 (3.2-15.2), LCQ 1.7 (0.6-2.8); 12-months: QoL-B rs 10.1 (3.9-16.3), LCQ 1.8 (0.8-2.8)]. Clinic uptake (91%), attendance (97%) and pulmonary rehabilitation uptake (74%) and completion (84%) were high. Exacerbation frequency [median (IQR) 1.0 (3.0) to 0.0 (1.0), p = 0.007], and hospitalisation decreased (18% vs 0%, p = 0.005). Discussion A treatable traits approach improved quality of life, was feasible, including the achievement of high pulmonary rehabilitation uptake and completion, and reduced exacerbation frequency and hospitalisation.