Cystic fibrosis (CF) care centers are specialized treatment facilities that have received a stamp of approval from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. In order to become accredited, the centers must offer treatment and services that meet the foundation’s standards.
Seven Goals of Treatment
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has established seven goals of treatment that form the cornerstone of treatment. At CF care centers, patients will:
- Participate in treatment decisions.
- Have adequate nutrition and growth.
- Have adequate lung function. Respiratory infections will be diagnosed and treated early if they occur.
- Avoid spreading infections to and from other CF patients.
- Avoid complications if possible. Complications will be diagnosed and treated early if they cannot be prevented.
- Receive non-discriminatory care regardless of insurance coverage.
- Receive support for transplant and end of life issues, if needed.
Treatment Guidelines
Patients receiving treatment at CF care centers can expect their treatment to include:
- Clinic visits at least four times per year.
- Pulmonary function tests (PFT’s) at least twice per year.
- Cultures to test for respiratory infections at least once per year.
- Blood test to check for diabetes at least once per year for all patients age 14 and older.
- Blood test to check for liver damage at least once per year.
- A flu shot every year for all patients 6 months of age and older.
Healthcare Team
A team of health care providers that specialize in CF treatment usually staffs cystic fibrosis care centers. Team members vary among the centers but will at least include:
- A lung doctor
- A nutritionist
- A nurse or health educator
Other team members that might be included are:
- Social workers
- Physical Therapists
- Respiratory Therapists
- Psychologists
- Pharmacists
Source:
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Patient Registry 2006 Annual Data Report. 2008.
