IMPACT OF PORTABLE SPIROMETERS IN DELIVERY OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS CARE VIA TELEHEALTH

Abstract

TOPIC: Education, Research, and Quality Improvement TYPE: Original Investigations PURPOSE: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic, multi-system disorder with significant morbidity and mortality. Consequently, long-term maintenance of this disease is heavily dependent on regular monitoring and treatments. The delivery of telehealth has become a topic of increasing importance since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, portable spirometers have gained popularity in at-home care for CF patients. Forced expiratory volume (FEV1) is important clinical data used to assess the status of a patient’s disease and to guide their treatment plans. The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability of portable FEV1 values in comparison to hospital FEV1 values in order to explore novel approaches for remote CF monitoring during the SARS CoV-2 pandemic. METHODS: Funding from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and VCU Adult CF Center was used to provide patients with a ZEPHYRx home spirometry kit. Patients were provided instructional materials and were coached on how to use and maintain the device by dedicated respiratory therapists (RT). FEV1 values were reported through the ZEPHYRx Breathe Easy mobile app and these values were tracked from May 2020 to April 2021. The number of times these values fell at or above 90% of the patients’ best hospital FEV1 in the last 12 months was calculated as a percentage. The ZEYPHRx home spirometry values were deemed reliable if the percentage was ≥ 50%. RESULTS: The ZEPHYRx home spirometry kit provided reliable FEV1 values for 81% of the 48 patients who used the device. Compliance rate of the total 64 patients who received the home spirometry kit was 75%. The non-compliant patients were omitted from the final calculation. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the study was successful in determining the reliability of utilizing ZEPHYRx home spirometry kits. The results of this study will expand the scope and efficacy of telehealth for the care of CF patients. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Future studies can analyze the use of the kits in a longitudinal fashion to normalize their use in CF patient care. Including home spirometry kits as part of routine CF care will minimize patients’ visits to the clinic and therefore exposure to pathogens. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Madihah Alam, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Sarah Barrett, source=Web Response Advisory Committee Member relationship with PARI Please note: 2019 Added 04/14/2021 by Nauman Chaudary, source=Web Response, value=Honoraria Moderator relationship with PARI Please note: 2021 Added 04/14/2021 by Nauman Chaudary, source=Web Response, value=Consulting fee Advisory Committee Member relationship with DYMEDSO Please note: 2021 Added 04/14/2021 by Nauman Chaudary, source=Web Response, value=Consulting fee No relevant relationships by Karen Lo, source=Web Response