The cystic fibrosis Frequent Flyer Programme: A pilot 12 month quality improvement initiative focused on intensive outpatient physiotherapy, exercise and dietetic support

Children with moderate to severe CF require frequent hospital admissions for intensive prophylactic IV antibiotic treatment or as a response to acute events. During admissions, physiotherapy treatment includes 2 daily intensive airway clearance sessions and an exercise session. Nutritional status is also reviewed. Between admissions children are reviewed at bi-monthly outpatient appointments. An alternative model of care that provides comprehensive outpatient physiotherapy and dietetic management may be more effective. The Frequent Flyer Programme was undertaken as a quality improvement initiative within the CF Unit, in addition to the specialist services already provided.