P210 COACH project - screening for psychological comorbidity in adolescents with cystic fibrosis

Objectives: Depression and anxiety in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have a negative impact on physical health, therapy adherence, and the quality of life of those affected. At the moment there is hardly any research on the optimal and early treatment of these comorbidities. The COACH project (Chronic Conditions in Adolescents: Implementation and Evaluation of Patient-centered Collaborative Healthcare), funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, aims to identify psychological stress in chronically ill adolescents at an early stage, to gain a better understanding and optimise treatment. Methods: As part of the COACH project, an anxiety and depression screening tool was implemented in the German CF register Mukoweb. Based on the current international guidelines, the evaluated questionnaires PHQ-9 and GAD-7 are completed once a year in participating German clinics by adolescents with CF aged 12 to 21 years and transferred directly to Mukoweb. Patients are then offered the opportunity to participate in further sub-projects, which are intended to improve depressive and anxiety distress by supporting strengths and strategies in coping with their illness. Results: So far, 7 CF centres are participating in the COACH project. Screening was performed in 96 patients with a median age of 16.6 years, 56.3% of which were female. In 19.8% of the patients screened, the result was in the abnormal range with a screening result of PHQ-9 ≥7 or GAD-7 ≥7 (as of Dec 31, 2020). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, recruitment has been very delayed in 2020. Conclusion: The first interim results show that one in five of the adolescents with CF examined suffers from anxiety or depression and the care for these comorbidities is of high relevance. Based on the study results of the COACH project, the aim is to raise awareness of Mental Health Screening and to provide evidence-based recommendations for collaborative care of those affected.