Rehab administrators answer questions regarding Treating Cystic Fibrosis. IPRC archives information collected by the Pediatric Rehab Administrator’s ListServ as a public service to the entire Pediatric Rehabilitation Community. All information is posted in summary format and has been de-identified. Search through past queries for responses to rehabilitation related questions.

Original Question:

We have patients admitted for exacerbation of Cystic Fibrosis routinely referred for PT.Wondering if anyone can share their experience or ideas in the acute care setting.  Most times the kids or parents are refusing PT & only some are allowed out of their room w/ a mask.

Response:

We get referrals for all patients with CF upon admission. They are typically admitted 10 or 14 days and we see them 5x a week Monday through Friday as another form of airway clearance. They are seen out of the room (either in a gym or are outside) and are expected to complete 30-45 minutes of moderate motor activity. All of our patients are allowed out of the room with a mask on, isolation is maintained during transport. Some of the teenagers refuse, should they refuse to leave the room, a restorator or HEP can be performed in the room in replacement of gym equipment though not recommended. Should they refuse any intervention then I have them create an HEP with me, and they are expected to complete independently and are checked in periodically during the admission. This has always been the protocol, so all of the patients (and parents) know the routine. We typically start our interventions on admission day 2 and they schedule their own time in which they are seen each day.