Travelling abroad with cystic fibrosis: Assessment of risks and healthcare requirements

Mycobacterium Simiae Infection in a Person With Cystic Fibrosis

Although non-tuberculous mycobacteria can be found in the airways of people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF), their role as pathogens may be uncertain, and treatment is problematic. We report the first case of Mycobacterium simiae (M. simiae), often associated with asymptomatic disease or colonisation, which caused pulmonary infection requiring treatment in a pwCF. This report shows that M. simiae, rare in pwCF in the United Kingdom, can cause significant illness and highlights the diagnostic difficulty in individuals with positive smear mycobacteria that can be mistaken initially for pulmonary tuberculosis (TB).

Misunderstandings, misperceptions, and missed opportunities: Perspectives on adherence barriers from people with CF, caregivers, and CF team members

OBJECTIVE

To identify differences in perspectives of people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) and caregivers versus healthcare providers on adherence barriers. Mismatched perspectives may lead to miscommunication and missed opportunities to reduce barriers and improve CF outcomes.

METHODS

PwCF, caregivers, and CF providers completed audio-taped, semi-structured interviews about adherence barriers. Interviews were transcribed and coded for themes. Themes were reviewed to identify when PwCF-caregiver perspectives differed from providers'.

RESULTS

Participants included 14 adolescents with CF (mean age = 15.89 years, 64 % female, 71 % Caucasian), 14 adults with CF (mean age = 30.03 years, 64 % female, 57 % Caucasian), 29 caregivers (76 % female; 72 % Caucasian), and 42 providers. Four barriers were identified that could generate miscommunication between PwCF-caregivers and providers: Tired = Fatigued/Sleepy versus Tired = Burnout, Vacation and Travel, Knowledge and Skills About CF Regimen, and Daily Habits or Routines. PwCF and caregivers used similar words as providers, but conceptualized barriers differently. PwCF and caregivers discussed barriers pragmatically, however, providers viewed certain barriers more abstractly or unidimensionally, or did not discuss them.

CONCLUSIONS

PwCF-caregivers and providers may not align in how they discuss barriers, which may contribute to miscommunication about adherence challenges.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Patient-centered communication strategies may enhance providers' understandings of PwCF-caregiver perspectives on barriers and facilitate adherence interventions.