Students lead CF THRIVE sessions to help young cystic fibrosis patients

Students from the University of Huddersfield are helping young people with cystic fibrosis in a series of innovative online group sessions during the summer holidays.

The University’s scheme is called CF THRIVE - TeleHealth Relevant and Individualised for a Variety of Everyday needs. It follows THRIVE, which was set up in 2020 so physiotherapy and occupational therapy BSc(Hons) students could gain the clinical hours they need to qualify, whilst providing a health coaching service to communities online.

CF THRIVE’s sessions will offer physical activities for young people with CF aged six to 16, as well as a chance for them to chat and share their experiences in a safe environment.

Physio, exercise and medication vital for cystic fibrosis patients

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a long-term genetic condition that produces thick, sticky mucus on the lungs and affects the digestive system. CF patients have to take multiple medications on a daily basis, and have to undertake regular physiotherapy for lung clearance. Nebulisers and inhalers help with airway clearance twice a day, and frequent exercise is also beneficial.

“Cystic fibrosis is a hidden condition, you may know someone with it but not realise as it is not obvious,” says Madeline Pilbury, physiotherapy practitioner and lecturer in the School of Human and Health Sciences. “It is not uncommon to have to take 40 or more tablets every day. People with CF are prone to lung infections, which means they may have to stay in hospital and take antibiotics.”

“Physios can educate those with CF on keeping their airways clear, advise on nebulised medications and advocate exercise.”

If you are interested and would like to find out more, please contact hhs-telehealth@hud.ac.uk

CF THRIVE is supported by the nationwide charity the CF Trust. Madeline pitched her idea for online sessions to the Trust’s Youth Action Group, with the Trust then attracting interest from patients via a social media campaign.

Online 'the ideal space' for therapy, advice and socialising

The sessions will be conducted purely online, but as Madeline adds, those with CF were already used to accessing support remotely or online before the coronavirus pandemic.

“People with CF are advised to avoid meeting face to face to minimise risk of cross-infection, there were no face to face support groups.

“I was keen to open this out to the CF community and I was aware that the CF Trust ran online groups like yoga, dancercise and craft activities for children online. I thought if we could team up with them we could offer something to children with CF.

“Online is a brilliant way to connect people, and we felt that we could offer something to young people with CF – socialise, set goals and do some fun activities together.

“The CF community were ahead of the game when Covid happened as they were used to having segregated clinics and being cautious around people with coughs and colds. Regular handwashing was already part of their everyday life.”

The scheme will also have benefits for Huddersfield students, both from what they can learn from the children with CF that they will help, and from what they can learn from each other.

“We’re really pleased to have physios and occupational therapists (OT) working together. We want to promote the sharing of ideas and clinical skills. Physios working in CF are a well-established and traditional part of treating CF, whereas OTs are a more emerging role in CF. It’s great for them to share their skills with physios and to learn from them.”

Bethan Hebbard, the THRIVE student placement lead, adds, “I am delighted that our Physio and OT students will have this unique interprofessional learning experience this summer. We have had an extremely positive response from the CF community and I think that it will be an excellent opportunity for them to socialise and have fun while improving their overall health and wellbeing.

“We are very lucky to have Maddie, a CF specialist physio, on our lecturer practitioner team. I am extremely thankful to her and the rest of the lecturer practitioners for providing such a high-quality placement and service."