Telehealth spirometry for children with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Aim We assessed the feasibility of telehealth spirometry assessments for children with cystic fibrosis (CF) living in a regional setting. Method Patients with acceptable computer hardware at home were provided with a SpiroUSB (Vyaire) spirometer. Spirometry was performed during ‘home admissions’ or for ongoing home monitoring in children living outside metropolitan Melbourne. At the end of the session, the family forwarded the data to the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne. Results Twenty-two patients aged 7 to 17 years participated, with spirometry successful in 55 of 59 (93%) attempted sessions according to American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society criteria. The median dista..