Gastroenterology services for patients with Cystic Fibrosis across
Australia and New Zealand: A multi-stakeholder assessment of patients’
and professionals’ perspectives
Abstract
Introduction: Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common in
individuals with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). International research has
highlighted that GI care for this group of patients is lacking.
Gastroenterology services to CF clinics across Australasia are yet to be
examined. This study aimed to describe the current service delivery
model and to identify areas for improvement that may lead to positive
patient outcomes. Methods: CF clinicians (dietitians, clinical
nurse consultants, respiratory consultants), gastroenterologists (GE),
and patients or their carers from Australia and New Zealand (NZ) were
surveyed online to gather their opinions on CF gastroenterology services
provided in their region. Data were analysed using descriptive
statistics (frequencies and percentages). Likert scale questions were
analysed by grouping responses 1-5 and 6-10, presented alongside the
median and interquartile range (IQR). Mann-Whitney U and chi-square
tests were used to look at differences between stakeholder groups.
Results: One hundred and fifty-seven health professionals and
172 patients or their carers completed the survey. Results showed that
the current GI model of care is predominantly a publicly funded service
delivered outside of CF clinic time. GE are largely not integrated into
the CF team and report a lack of training opportunities. There is a
higher level of dissatisfaction with the current service model in NZ
than Australia. Discussion: No stakeholder group deemed the
current CF gastroenterology service model as adequate, leaving
opportunity for transformations in this field. Ideally the data from
this study will invigorate the need for promotion and integration of GI
services that would ultimately benefit the whole CF community.