Exploring physiotherapists’ experiences in delivering care remotely to adults with Cystic Fibrosis during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a rapid change in physiotherapy service delivery for people with cystic fibrosis (CF), with the transition from face-to-face to remote provision. Experiences of physiotherapists working in CF at this time have not yet been reported. Aim: To gain an insight into physiotherapists’ experiences of delivering remote care to people with CF during COVID-19 and to consider how this may influence future care for people with CF. Research question: What are physiotherapists’ experiences in delivering care remotely to adults with CF during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom? Methodology: Qualitative, interpretive methodology was used to collect data via semi-structured interviews with three participants. Participants were recruited from across the United Kingdom (UK) via the professional networks. Interviews were completed on-line and were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Respondent validation was completed prior to using Thematic Analysis. Results: Participants had a mean of 20 years of experience working with adults with CF. Three main themes were identified (1) Delivering care in the pandemic; (2) Impact of pandemic on physiotherapists; (3) Post-pandemic future planning. Sub-themes were presented within these and supported by participant quotations. Conclusion and Implications for practice: Physiotherapists working during the COVID-19 pandemic treating patients with CF experienced rapid changes to service delivery. Significant findings included the importance of a hybrid clinic, patient education and the need to screen patients for appropriateness of either virtual or in-person reviews. Areas suggested for future research include the use of remote assessment tools and the use of hybrid clinics.