Exploring cystic fibrosis patient and staff perceptions of the Virtual Healthcare Hub during the COVID-19 pandemic at the All Wales Adult Cystic Fibrosis Service

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The All Wales Adult Cystic Fibrosis Service (AWACFS) developed a Virtual Healthcare Hub (VHH) during the COVID-19 pandemic to minimise risk whilst continuing patient care. The VHH consists of virtual multidisciplinary team (MDT) clinics, leisure centre, individual physiotherapy reviews and group connects and Q+A sessions. This study explored patient and staff perceptions of the VHH and how this could be improved in the future. Methods: Online patient and staff questionnaires evaluating the use of the VHH in the AWACFS during the COVID-19 pandemic were gathered between 23/12/2020 and 20/01/2021. Results: 67 patient questionnaires were analysed. The most widely used service (92%) was virtual MDT clinics with 83% finding them “very” or “extremely helpful”. 72% of participants would ‘often’ or “always” use virtual MDT clinics following the COVID-19 pandemic. Group connects and Q+A sessions run by the CF psychosocial team were particularly popular, with 85% of users finding these “very” or “extremely helpful”. 77% of patients found the virtual leisure centre run by the physiotherapy team “very” or “extremely helpful”. 20 staff questionnaires were analysed. 95% perceived the VHH to be either “very” or “extremely helpful” to deliver care and 100% of service providers would like to continue delivering the VHH in the future. Both patients and staff considered “reduced risk of infection by COVID-19/other” as the highest ranked advantage of connecting virtually. The highest ranked disadvantage by patients was “preference to see professional in person” and by staff “ability to address physical concerns is limited”.Staff ranked “technological difficulties” as the main barrier and “better technology” as the main way to improve CF virtual services in the future. Conclusion: Both patients and staff considered the majority of virtual connections provided to be successful and helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic, with staff keen to support these VHH services and adapt based on patient feedback.