Feasibility study of an intervention to increase treatment adherence in children with cystic fibrosis (CF)

Adherence to home chest physiotherapy (CPT) in young children with CF is Aim: Test the trial feasibility of a theory-informed intervention (online documentary film and action plan including behaviour change techniques) to improve CPT adherence by children with CF aged 0 to 8 years. Methods: Design Mixed-methods longitudinal feasibility study. Participants 20 children with CF and their parents recruited from UK CF clinics/the community. Outcomes Intervention acceptability; rates of recruitment, retention, completion of measures (adherence, care challenges, parental depression/anxiety) and change in baseline scores after 4 and 8 weeks. Qualitative interviews explored parents’ views of the intervention. Results: 71% (10/14) of invited clinics took part. 75% (219/292) of patients screened were eligible. Parents returned 23 complete consent forms, we invited 20 to take part. Outcomes were positive (Table 1). Adherence, parental depression/anxiety and perceived care challenges improved (Table 2). The film was supportive and non-patronising. Challenges included failed community recruitment, high baseline adherence (14/20 adherent) and related low action plan use (7/17). Conclusion: A trial of the intervention to improve CPT adherence is feasible.