Airway clearance therapy: experiences and perceptions of adults living with cystic fibrosis.

Purpose: Adherence to airway clearance therapy (ACT) among individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) is often inconsistent. This study aims to explore the perceptions of adults with CF regarding their experiences with ACT and what influences their selection of specific ACTs. Findings may help inform clinician approaches to patient care and ACT. Materials and

Methods

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using individual, semi-structured interviews. Eight participants [six male and two female, median (min-max) age 42.5 (27-52)] were purposively recruited from the Toronto Adult CF Centre at St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto.

Results

Four key themes were generated from participants' accounts. First, they described the intensive nature of CF self-management and its influence on their perceptions and selection of ACT techniques. Second, they emphasized the importance of healthcare professional guidance in treatment decisions. Third, physical health status, exercise, and CF transmembrane conductance regulator modulator therapy also shaped participants' self-management approaches. Lastly, their social context influenced how they navigated self-management, which evolved over time.

Conclusion

This study shows that ACT technique selection is influenced by various evolving needs across the lifespan. Understanding the role that patient experiences play in ACT technique selection may help clinicians personalize recommendations and promote patient-centred care.