Remote exercise services for people with cystic fibrosis: experiences and perceptions from people with cystic fibrosis and members of cystic fibrosis multidisciplinary teams.

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) and multidisciplinary team (MDT) members on remote exercise services (RES) and to inform recommendations for future RES. Participants were recruited from an adult CF centre and through social media. Individual online semi-structured interviews were conducted. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed. Themes from MDT members: <i>Accessibility and convenience offered by remote exercise services; Enhanced connections between MDT members and PwCF; Perceived health and wellness benefits of remote exercise services for PwCF; Barriers to engagement; and Suggested improvements for future remote exercise services.</i> Themes from PwCF: <i>Remote exercise enables activity with multifaceted benefits; Perceived limitations of remote exercise services; and Enhancing participation.</i> Participants' overall perceptions towards RES were positive, and perceived benefits of RES included time and cost saving, improving work efficiency, and having peer support. Perceived barriers to RES were largely technological or related to lacking visual cues. Perceived recommendations to future RES included personalising exercise options, developing user-friendly platforms, and providing funding for buying equipment.