The Role of Telehealth Services in Children with Cystic Fibrosis During Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak.

Beşer, Ömer Faruk; Karaboğa, Ebru Pelin Uğur; Hepkaya, Evrim; Kılınç Sakallı, Ayşe Ayzıt; Dönmez Türkmen, Ahsen; Dilek, Tuğçe Damla; Çokuğraş, Haluk; Çullu Çokuğraş, Fügen

Objectives: This study aimed to monitor the health and nutritional status of pediatric cystic fibrosis (CF) patients via telehealth services during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Additional aims were to determine the level of anxiety in the patients and their caregivers and to determine the COVID-19 transmission status among CF patients. Materials and Methods: The CF team supported the patients via remote contact. During telehealth services interviews, in addition to obtaining information about the patients' anthropometric measurements, health status, and CF-related complaints, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was administered to the patients and controls. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) was administered to their caregivers. Results: The study included 144 pediatric CF patients (74 males and 70 females). Mean age of the patients was 8.9 years. In all, 42 (29.2%) of the patients were tested for COVID-19, of which 4 were positive. The mean STAI score was significantly lower in the patient group than in the control group (p < 0.001). The mean HAD anxiety score was significantly higher in the caregivers of the CF patients, compared to the caregivers of the controls (p = 0.005). In addition, the mean HAD depression score was significantly higher in the caregivers of the CF patients (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Telehealth is an innovative method for providing health care services while maintaining social distance and avoiding the risk of exposure and spread of COVID-19. Telehealth services reduce patient and parental anxiety and increase the level of confidence in managing CF-related complications.