Exploring the role of digital health technologies for people with CF
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the role of digital health technologies to support the future physiotherapy care of people with cystic fibrosis
IRAS ID
333781
Contact name
Lisa McCann
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Strathclyde University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 30 days
Research summary
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic life-limiting multisystem disease, historically leading to respiratory failure and premature death. This affects over 10,900 people in the UK. Chest physiotherapy (airway clearance techniques) to enhance secretion clearance has been a cornerstone of CF physiotherapy, with self- and guided management being the focus of care as people with CF (pwCF) develop and their disease dictates different approaches. Advancements in clinical management of CF, including the introduction of highly effective modulator therapies (HEMTs), has positively impacted on life expectancy. Consequently, physiotherapy management of CF and the specialist CF physiotherapist must adapt. Digital health technologies (DHT's) present exciting potential for physiotherapy management in Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Virtual physiotherapy using a variety of DHT's in CF could facilitate more than symptom monitoring, extending to simple exercise testing, remote physical activity, and exercise opportunities, as well as implementing measures to influence adherence and the prompt management of symptoms. Whilst virtual consultations may be more convenient for some people with CF (pwCF) and reduce risk of cross-infection, not all pwCF will benefit from reducing the frequency of in person consultations. Virtual consultations, online physiotherapy (including physical activity and exercise training) and remote monitoring may not be desirable, available, or appropriate for everybody.
This study's primary aim is to explore the experiences and opinions of users of virtual physiotherapy and specific use of DHT's in their physiotherapy management of their disease.
This study will recruit adults with CF who attend the West of Scotland Adult CF unit. They will be asked to participate in a semi structured interview and follow up survey to ascertain their thoughts around the use of digital health technologies in their current and future CF physiotherapy management.
This study is the collection of non-sensitive data –concerned only with experiences and opinions of those pwCF.REC name
South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/SC/0090
Date of REC Opinion
12 Mar 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion