Annual review clinic improves care in children with cystic fibrosis

Background: It is unclear whether annual multidisciplinary reviews in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients should be conducted in dedicated annual review (AR) clinics or during continuous assessments throughout the year. Our aim was to assess the effect of introducing an AR clinic. Methods: A retrospective written and electronic record review of CF patients was carried out for 2007 (no AR Clinic) and 2010 (established AR Clinic) calendar years. An internet-based satisfaction survey was distributed to families attending the AR clinic. Results: In total, 123 children (mean age 9.5. years, range 1.32-18.8. years) and 141 children (8.3. years, 1.1-18.3. years) were included in 2007 and 2010 respectively. There was a significant increase in multidisciplinary reviews (documented annual review 28% vs 85%, P< 0.001; dietary assessment 46% vs 92%, P< 0.001) and investigations (OGTT 2% vs 74%, P< 0.001; abdominal ultrasound 35% vs 85%, P< 0.001) conducted after the introduction of AR clinic. The majority of the families surveyed (85%) were satisfied or very satisfied with the AR clinic. Conclusions: CF AR clinic significantly improves the number of annual investigations and multidisciplinary reviews performed. Families were satisfied with this new process.