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Dury S, Perotin JM, Ravoninjatovo B, Llerena C, Ancel J, Mulette P, Griffon M, Carré S, Perrin A, Lebargy F, Deslée G, Launois C. Identifying specific needs in adult cystic fibrosis patients: a pilot study using a custom questionnaire. BMC Pulm Med 2021; 21:270. [PMID: 34404378 PMCID: PMC8371823 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-021-01613-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) experience daily physical symptoms and disabilities that can be challenging to address for health care teams. Methods We sought to identify the most frequent topics that CF adults need to discuss with health care teams using a custom questionnaire including 62 items. Results Fifty patients were included, 70% men, mean age 27.6 years, with a mean body mass index of 21.8 kg/m2. Mean FEV1% was 64% of predicted value. Forty-two percent of patients selected at least one topic. The most frequently selected topics were fatigue (20%), professional or scholar worries (18%), procreation (16%), physical activities (16%) and evolution of CF disease (16%). Women were more frequently concerned about fatigue, procreation and profession/school. Conclusions Using a custom questionnaire, we identified that CF adults express various unmet needs that extend beyond usual respiratory and nutritional concerns or treatment adherence. The interest of this questionnaire by health care team for improving therapeutic management of CF patients remains to be validated. Trial registration: The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02924818) on 5th October 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Dury
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Reims University Hospital, Maison Blanche University Hospital, 45, rue de Cognacq-Jay, 51 092, Reims cedex, France. .,EA 4683 Medical and Pharmacological, University of Reims, Reims, France.
| | - Jeanne-Marie Perotin
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Reims University Hospital, Maison Blanche University Hospital, 45, rue de Cognacq-Jay, 51 092, Reims cedex, France.,INSERM UMRS 1250, Reims University Hospital, Reims, France
| | - Bruno Ravoninjatovo
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Reims University Hospital, Maison Blanche University Hospital, 45, rue de Cognacq-Jay, 51 092, Reims cedex, France
| | - Catherine Llerena
- Department of Pediatrics, Grenoble University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Julien Ancel
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Reims University Hospital, Maison Blanche University Hospital, 45, rue de Cognacq-Jay, 51 092, Reims cedex, France
| | - Pauline Mulette
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Reims University Hospital, Maison Blanche University Hospital, 45, rue de Cognacq-Jay, 51 092, Reims cedex, France
| | - Muriel Griffon
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Reims University Hospital, Maison Blanche University Hospital, 45, rue de Cognacq-Jay, 51 092, Reims cedex, France
| | - Sophie Carré
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Reims University Hospital, Maison Blanche University Hospital, 45, rue de Cognacq-Jay, 51 092, Reims cedex, France
| | - Amélie Perrin
- Department of Pediatrics, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
| | - François Lebargy
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Reims University Hospital, Maison Blanche University Hospital, 45, rue de Cognacq-Jay, 51 092, Reims cedex, France.,EA 4683 Medical and Pharmacological, University of Reims, Reims, France
| | - Gaëtan Deslée
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Reims University Hospital, Maison Blanche University Hospital, 45, rue de Cognacq-Jay, 51 092, Reims cedex, France.,INSERM UMRS 1250, Reims University Hospital, Reims, France
| | - Claire Launois
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Reims University Hospital, Maison Blanche University Hospital, 45, rue de Cognacq-Jay, 51 092, Reims cedex, France
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Roughley M, MacDougall L, Erolin C. Cystic Fibrosis: A Pocket Guide. J Vis Commun Med 2020; 43:198-210. [PMID: 33054564 DOI: 10.1080/17453054.2020.1813016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In 2010, an iPad app titled 'A Patient's Guide to Cystic Fibrosis' was developed for use by Cystic Fibrosis (CF) clinical nurse specialists during a patient's annual review. Feedback from pseudo-CF patients and NHS staff including CF clinical nurse specialists and respiratory consultants about the appearance, usability and content of the app and iPad interface, and the appropriateness of the app for CF patients was positive. The visual images, animations and interactive elements of the app were sufficient in providing an engaging experience for the user. The app was deemed suitable for patients and set a foundation for the development of comprehensive and interactive CF patient information learning tools. Since 2010, the prevalence and popularity of iPad apps in healthcare have soared and apps now have the capability to include more interactive touch-based experiences with digital content such as 3D models. The original iPad app was re-developed as an Apple iBook and an Android app titled 'Cystic Fibrosis: A Pocket Guide'. This paper describes the design, development and feedback on the original iPad app and its subsequent variants, and concludes with reflections from the specialist CF nurses, who have continued to use pocket guide over 10 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Roughley
- Liverpool School of Art and Design, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Lawrie MacDougall
- Scottish Adult Cystic Fibrosis Service, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Caroline Erolin
- Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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Desai S, Lam G, Sykes J, Stephenson A, Quon B. Eligibility of CFTR modulators for the adult-diagnosed cystic fibrosis population. J Cyst Fibros 2020; 19:840-841. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2020.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Jessup M, Li A, Fulbrook P, Bell SC. The experience of men and women with cystic fibrosis who have become a parent: A qualitative study. J Clin Nurs 2017; 27:1702-1712. [PMID: 29266748 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.14229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To explore the experiences of men and women with cystic fibrosis in becoming parents. BACKGROUND As lifespan for people with cystic fibrosis increases, and reproductive technology advances, having a child of their own becomes a possibility. DESIGN This study used a phenomenological framework. METHODS Seven Australian adults with cystic fibrosis were invited to describe their experiences of becoming parents in the context of a semi-structured interview. Analysis of the data involved highlighting recurrent phrases and isolating emergent themes. RESULTS Two overarching themes characterised the participants' experience: Counting the cost, as they recalled Concentric communication and Pathways to pregnancy; and Living the dream, as they cast a retrospective view over this, their major achievement, in the light of their Reaction: a dream comes true, Coping: a question of balance, Conjecture: the future redefined and Confidence: recalibrating. CONCLUSIONS While advances in cystic fibrosis care and reproductive technology have increased the possibility of individuals with cystic fibrosis becoming parents, the passage to becoming a parent is a complex process. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE These findings can inform health professionals to support the adaptive work necessary for families that include members with cystic fibrosis. A contemporary understanding of this phenomenon is necessary for facilitating clinically relevant communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Jessup
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Nursing Research & Practice Development Centre, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Anne Li
- Department of Social Work, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Paul Fulbrook
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Nursing Research & Practice Development Centre, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Scott C Bell
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Thoracic Medicine, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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David V, Feldman D, Danner-Boucher I, Rhun AL, Guyomarch B, Ravilly S, Marchand C. Identifying the Educational Needs of Lung Transplant Recipients with Cystic Fibrosis. Prog Transplant 2015; 25:18-25. [DOI: 10.7182/pit2015526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To elucidate the education needs of patients who have undergone lung transplant for cystic fibrosis while participating in the development of therapeutic education programs in French transplant centers. Methods From January 2009 to March 2012, in-depth educational diagnosis interviews were conducted with 42 adult transplant recipients with cystic fibrosis who were being followed up at 7 French transplant centers. Several areas were explored: health status, social and occupational outcomes, knowledge about the disease and treatments, and experience of the disease. The interviews combined open- and closed-ended questions for more systematic exploration of knowledge about the disease and treatments. Results After receiving the transplant, the patients' health had improved and their lives were returning to normal. They had acquired much usable knowledge about managing their disease. Educational needs regarding transplant-related complications and management of immunosuppressive drugs were evident. The analysis also demonstrated the need to better inform patients about pregnancy and new social rights and to offer them psychological support in adjusting to their new health status. Conclusion Therapeutic education of patients should continue well after transplant to maintain safety knowledge and meet patients' new needs. A comprehensive therapeutic education program for transplant candidates that includes the preparatory, immediate posttransplant, and late posttransplant phases is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie David
- Hôpital Mère et Enfant, Nantes (VD), CHU Nantes (DF, ALR), CHU Nantes-Nord, Saint-Herblain (ID-B, BG), Vaincre la Mucoviscidose, Paris (SR), Université Paris 13, Bobigny (CM), France
| | - David Feldman
- Hôpital Mère et Enfant, Nantes (VD), CHU Nantes (DF, ALR), CHU Nantes-Nord, Saint-Herblain (ID-B, BG), Vaincre la Mucoviscidose, Paris (SR), Université Paris 13, Bobigny (CM), France
| | - Isabelle Danner-Boucher
- Hôpital Mère et Enfant, Nantes (VD), CHU Nantes (DF, ALR), CHU Nantes-Nord, Saint-Herblain (ID-B, BG), Vaincre la Mucoviscidose, Paris (SR), Université Paris 13, Bobigny (CM), France
| | - Anne Le Rhun
- Hôpital Mère et Enfant, Nantes (VD), CHU Nantes (DF, ALR), CHU Nantes-Nord, Saint-Herblain (ID-B, BG), Vaincre la Mucoviscidose, Paris (SR), Université Paris 13, Bobigny (CM), France
| | - Beatrice Guyomarch
- Hôpital Mère et Enfant, Nantes (VD), CHU Nantes (DF, ALR), CHU Nantes-Nord, Saint-Herblain (ID-B, BG), Vaincre la Mucoviscidose, Paris (SR), Université Paris 13, Bobigny (CM), France
| | - Sophie Ravilly
- Hôpital Mère et Enfant, Nantes (VD), CHU Nantes (DF, ALR), CHU Nantes-Nord, Saint-Herblain (ID-B, BG), Vaincre la Mucoviscidose, Paris (SR), Université Paris 13, Bobigny (CM), France
| | - Claire Marchand
- Hôpital Mère et Enfant, Nantes (VD), CHU Nantes (DF, ALR), CHU Nantes-Nord, Saint-Herblain (ID-B, BG), Vaincre la Mucoviscidose, Paris (SR), Université Paris 13, Bobigny (CM), France
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Laborde-Castérot H, Donnay C, Chapron J, Burgel PR, Kanaan R, Honoré I, Dusser D, Choudat D, Hubert D. Employment and work disability in adults with cystic fibrosis. J Cyst Fibros 2011; 11:137-43. [PMID: 22104952 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2011.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2011] [Revised: 10/11/2011] [Accepted: 10/25/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a result of prolonged survival, more patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) participate in the labour force. The aim of this study was to evaluate their education, occupation levels and risk factors for work disability. METHOD 207 patients answered a self-administered questionnaire about their educational level and work status. Independently, medical records were reviewed for illness severity indicators. RESULTS 39 patients (19%) were students, 117 (57%) were in the labour force, 13 (6%) were seeking employment and 38 (18%) were inactive. CF patients had a higher educational level and were more likely to hold skilled jobs and to work part time than the general population. FEV1 and educational level were the strongest predictive factors of disability. CONCLUSION Many CF patients have access to professional life. Their higher educational levels improve the chances of attaining employment, which highlights the need for career counselling. Working part time helps to maintain employment despite declining health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hervé Laborde-Castérot
- Service de Pathologie Professionnelle, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité and Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, Paris, France
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Demars N, Uluer A, Sawicki GS. Employment experiences among adolescents and young adults with cystic fibrosis. Disabil Rehabil 2011; 33:922-6. [DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2010.514644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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O'Shea R, Murphy AM, Treacy E, Lynch SA, Thirlaway K, Lambert D. Communication of genetic information by other health professionals: the role of the genetic counsellor in specialist clinics. J Genet Couns 2011; 20:192-203. [PMID: 21210198 DOI: 10.1007/s10897-010-9337-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2010] [Accepted: 11/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Many children with chronic genetic diseases are followed by specialty clinics that provide genetic information as part of the care. Health services restrictions in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) can make the wait for an appointment with a genetic counsellor long. We examined whether genetic information was being adequately understood when presented by medical, but non-genetics staff to long term patients, using our national metabolic service as an example. The aim was to inform health professionals about the need or role of a genetic counsellor in a specialist setting. A questionnaire was used to assess knowledge among parents and patients affected by galactosaemia and Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD). Twenty seven families with galactosemia and 10 with MSUD were interviewed in clinic. Comparative analysis showed significant differences in knowledge between parents of children with galactosemia and adult patients (p=0.001) and between ethnicities (p>0.05). While parents are well informed, the majority expressed a wish for more information about the condition and its transmission. Adult patients with galactosemia and parents from certain ethnic backgrounds could especially benefit from genetic counselling. This study highlights the need for a genetic counsellor in specialist clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie O'Shea
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Heath Park, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK.
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Jessup M, Parkinson C. "All at sea": the experience of living with cystic fibrosis. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2010; 20:352-364. [PMID: 19955225 DOI: 10.1177/1049732309354277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In this qualitative study the researchers explored living with cystic fibrosis (CF)-a chronic, life-threatening, life-limiting disease that demands a relentless regime of daily treatment. The unique challenges and issue for care that CF presents were considered. Utilizing a phenomenological perspective, data drawn from unstructured interviews included narratives and drawings contributed by children, adolescents, young adults, and parents-eight families representing nine young people with CF. In line with van Manen's approach, four existentials were used to consider a lifeworld in which notions of time, body, space, and relationship are indelibly altered. From original fright, through ongoing dynamics of fear, fight, flight, form, familiarity, and philosophy, people with CF pursue a future that is threatened and continually redefined. As a result of enhanced understanding, care can be delivered from an empathetic bearing toward those for whom it is not so much a bothersome routine, but a life-and-death imperative.
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10
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Pandolfini C, Clavenna A, Bonati M. Quality of cystic fibrosis information on Italian websites. Inform Health Soc Care 2009; 34:10-7. [PMID: 19306195 DOI: 10.1080/17538150902773199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Given the increased attention on cystic fibrosis care during the last few years in Italy, this study was performed to evaluate content quality, characteristics and completeness of Italian cystic fibrosis websites. GOOGLE was used and retrieved websites were evaluated for the presence of predefined descriptive criteria and disease information. Their contents were compared with available evidence. Thirty sites were evaluated. Few fulfilled the criteria, such as listing authors (24 sites) and citing references (10). The amount of disease information varied, but 23 provided treatment information. Of these, 11 comparable sites were evaluated for adherence to guidelines and overall completeness. All information adhered to guidelines. One site provided very thorough information and was the most complete, whereas four were found to be half as complete as others. Patients can find accurate cystic fibrosis knowledge online, but may need to navigate between multiple sites to obtain comprehensive coverage of disease information. In Italy, a network of association websites exists to support patients and families. Website quality could be improved in terms of documentation (transparency) of the information provided in order to permit users to select well-documented, updated information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pandolfini
- Laboratory for Mother and Child Health, Department of Public Health, Mario Negri Pharmacological Research Institute, Milan, Italy.
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11
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Sawicki GS, Sellers DE, McGuffie K, Robinson W. Adults with cystic fibrosis report important and unmet needs for disease information. J Cyst Fibros 2007; 6:411-6. [PMID: 17452026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2007.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2006] [Revised: 03/01/2007] [Accepted: 03/09/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The informational needs of the growing population of adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) have not been previously assessed. METHODS Adults with CF enrolled in the Project on Adult Care in CF (PAC-CF) completed a survey including 22 items in which information topics were rated on the importance of receiving more information and the satisfaction with sources of information. Unmet needs were defined as those topics rated with both high importance and low satisfaction with information sources. RESULTS The median age of the 233 respondents was 34 years, median FEV(1) was 68% predicted, and 59% were female. The information topics with the highest mean importance ratings were on CF treatments and managing infection. The percentage of respondents rating an individual information need as unmet ranged from 2-32%. Information on "ways to deal with decreased energy, "new CF therapies," and "ways to deal with the unpredictability of the future" were reported as unmet by almost one-third of respondents. For all but four of the information topics assessed, clinical and socio-demographic factors were not significantly associated with increased likelihood of reporting unmet informational needs. CONCLUSIONS Adults with CF rated information on treatment topics as most important. In contrast, patients were more likely to report information needs on disease self-management and future planning as unmet. Clinical and socio-demographic patient characteristics were not systematically associated with unmet informational needs. Clinicians caring for adult CF patients should not solely rely socio-demographic factors or markers of disease severity as signals for providing comprehensive information on disease self-management and future planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory S Sawicki
- Children's Hospital Boston, Division of Respiratory Diseases, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Whalley S, McManus IC. Living with primary ciliary dyskinesia: a prospective qualitative study of knowledge sharing, symptom concealment, embarrassment, mistrust, and stigma. BMC Pulm Med 2006; 6:25. [PMID: 17040569 PMCID: PMC1635565 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2466-6-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2006] [Accepted: 10/13/2006] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a chronic respiratory disease for which there is little psycho-social research and no qualitative studies of individuals living with the condition. A questionnaire-based survey in 2003 found evidence of stigmatisation in some individuals with PCD. Although the questionnaire had face and construct validity, stigmatisation was not cross-validated against interviews. The present study had the twin aims of carrying out a qualitative study of the adult patients living with PCD, and using a structured design to validate the questionnaire measure of stigma. METHODS Interviews were carried out with six pairs of individuals with PCD, matched for sex, situs, and age, one with a high stigma score in 2003 and the other with a low stigma score. Depth-qualitative interviews were conducted by one author to explore themes surrounding the psycho-social impact of PCD using a grounded theory analysis. The interviewer was blind to the stigma scores of participants, and after the qualitative analysis was completed, the interviewer made an assessment of which member of each pair seemed the more stigmatised, after which the code was broken. RESULTS Interviews revealed a number of themes, including other people's knowledge of PCD, the sharing of knowledge about PCD, the concealment of symptoms of PCD, embarrassment at symptoms, changes of behaviour in response to PCD, mistrust of medical care, in particular in relation to problems in diagnosis, a mistrust of general practitioners who were seen as poorly informed, and the importance of expert care at tertiary referral centres. Although stigmatisation as such was rarely mentioned directly by respondents, when the interviewer's judgement on level of stigmatisation was correlated with stigma scores from 2003, it was found that the more stigmatised member had been correctly identified in all six pairs (p = .016). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that some people with PCD feel isolated through mistrust in medicine, and lack of knowledge surrounding PCD. Many responses to PCD can be explained in terms of stigmatisation, and in particular felt stigma. The correlation between questionnaire used several years previously, and the interviewer's judgements of stigmatisation suggest that the stigma questionnaire had both predictive validity and long-term stability. As in other chronic conditions, stigmatisation occurs only in some individuals with PCD, and the present study explores the basis of stigmatisation, and validate the questionnaire as a measure of difference in stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Whalley
- Department of Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - IC McManus
- Department of Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review highlights the phenotypic features that lead to the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in adults, and the prognosis of these patients. RECENT FINDINGS With the widespread availability of genetic testing and a greater appreciation of the clinical spectrum of the disease, the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis is being made with increasing frequency in adults. Clinical features that lead to the diagnosis include respiratory symptoms and chronic airway infection with typical cystic fibrosis pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as nontuberculous mycobacteria. Often these patients have previously received diagnoses of asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Pancreatic insufficiency is much less common in the adult receiving the diagnosis, but pancreatitis occurs with greater frequency. Occasionally, individuals receive diagnoses of apparent single-organ manifestations such as idiopathic pancreatitis or congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens, but with negligible involvement of the respiratory tract. On rare occasions, patients receiving the diagnosis as adults can present with classic features of the disease. Although lung disease is generally less severe in cystic fibrosis patients receiving the diagnosis as adults than in adult patients who received the diagnosis as infants, the extent of bronchiectasis can nonetheless be severe. The clinical course of patients receiving a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in adulthood is largely unknown, but frequently they have milder disease and a more favorable prognosis. SUMMARY Clinicians must be aware of the potential for adults with chronic respiratory tract infections, unexplained bronchiectasis, congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens, or pancreatitis to have cystic fibrosis despite the age at presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry A Nick
- National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Denver, Colorado 80206, USA.
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Gilljam M, Ellis L, Corey M, Zielenski J, Durie P, Tullis DE. Clinical manifestations of cystic fibrosis among patients with diagnosis in adulthood. Chest 2004; 126:1215-24. [PMID: 15486385 DOI: 10.1378/chest.126.4.1215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To define the clinical characteristics and diagnostic parameters of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) diagnosed in adulthood. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Tertiary care center. PATIENTS AND METHODS All patients with a diagnosis of CF made at the Toronto CF Clinics between 1960 and June 2001. Data were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS There were 73 of 1,051 patients (7%) with CF diagnosed in adulthood. Over time, an increasing number and proportion of patients received a diagnosis in adulthood: 27 patients (3%) before 1990, compared to 46 patients (18%) after 1990 (p < 0.001). The mean sweat chloride level was lower for those with CF diagnosed as adults, compared to those with a diagnosis as children (75 +/- 26 mmol/L and 100 +/- 19 mmol/L, respectively; p < 0.001) [mean +/- SD], and adults were more likely to have pancreatic sufficiency (PS) than children (73% vs 13%, respectively; p < 0.0001). In 46 adults who received a diagnosis since 1990, the reason for the initial sweat test was pancreatitis (2 patients, 4%), pulmonary symptoms (18 patients, 39%), pulmonary and GI symptoms (10 patients, 22%), infertility (12 patients, 26%), and genetic screening (4 patients, 9%). Other manifestations were biliary cirrhosis (one patient) and diabetes mellitus (four patients, 9%). The diagnosis could be confirmed by sweat test alone in 30 of 46 patients (65%), by mutation analysis alone in 15 patients (33%), and by a combination in 31 patients (67%). Nasal potential difference (PD) measurements alone confirmed the diagnosis in the remaining 15 patients (33%). CONCLUSION Patients with CF presenting in adulthood often have PS, inconclusive sweat test results, and a high prevalence of mutations that are not commonly seen in CF diagnosed in childhood. Although most patients have lung disease of variable degrees, single-organ manifestations such as congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens and pancreatitis are seen. Repeated sweat tests and extensive mutation analysis are often required. Nasal PD may aid the diagnosis, but has not been standardized for clinical diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marita Gilljam
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Goteborg University, Goteborg, Sweden
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