Feasibility of a Group Telepsychological Intervention for Adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

Project CF Teen was designed to address the gap in specialized mental health care available to youth with cystic fibrosis (CF), providing care through group telepsychology. Six youth completed a modified version of the Child Illness and Resilience Program, a group-based cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention for youth with chronic illnesses. Measures were administered before and after the intervention to assess changes in mental health and health care utilization, as well as the feasibility of the intervention and treatment satisfaction. This intervention was associated with improved access to specialized pediatric psychological services, time and cost savings, and treatment satisfaction. While no changes in mental health were detected, participants’ physical activity decreased over the course of the intervention; a possible explanation for this finding may be related to the timing of the intervention over the summer. In addition to these findings supporting group telepsychology for youth with CF, various challenges were encountered throughout the intervention. This led to important lessons learned, including flexibility and planning ahead for time demands. Future directions have also been identified, including with respect to reimbursement and additional settings in which to facilitate similar interventions.