P455 experiences of participants and staff involved in the Exercise as an Airway Clearance Technique in people with Cystic Fibrosis pilot feasibility trial: preliminary findings from a qualitative study

Taylor, E., Soilemezi, D., Cunningham, S., Lewis, S., Neilson, A., Ensor, H., Vogiatzis, I., Allen, L., Morrison, L., Middleton, T., Urquhart, D. and Saynor, Z. (2024) P455 experiences of participants and staff involved in the Exercise as an Airway Clearance Technique in people with Cystic Fibrosis pilot feasibility trial: preliminary findings from a qualitative study. Journal of Cystic Fibrosis, 23 (Suppl. 1), S206-S206. (doi:10.1016/S1569-1993(24)00749-5).

Abstract

Background: we conducted qualitative interviews as part of the ‘Exercise as an Airway Clearance Technique in Cystic Fibrosis (ExACT-CF)’, mixed methods pilot randomised controlled trial, to understand experiences and acceptability of various trial processes in participants, parents and trial staff.

Methods: purposive sampling ensured participants and relevant professionals represented all recruiting sites. A total of 32 semi-structured telephone/ online interviews were carried out including 10 people with CF (pwCF), 5 parents (7 ExACT; 8 Usual Care), 12 trial staff, 4 decliners and 1 drop-out. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed adopting a Framework Approach.

Results: our preliminary analysis revealed three main themes : 1) facilitators, 2) barriers and 3) future suggestions, to capture individuals experiences of the trial processes including; recruitment and randomisation (e.g. willingness to help, reluctance to be randomised, travel time), experiences of the intervention and its effects (e.g. wide variety of exercises, enjoyment, challenges with exercising daily, increasing support with starting and progressing exercise) and usability of the various outcome measures (e.g. most preferred, practicality). Looking forward, there was overwhelming support for an interchange model (ExACT and other chest physiotherapy ACTs), which would enable flexibility (e.g. around busy lifestyles, exacerbations) and the importance of choice in interventions for pwCF was emphasised.

Conclusions: participants spoke favourably about their experience in the ExACT-CF trial, which was not perceived as too onerous. ExACT alone or in combination with chest physiotherapy was regarded as a positive, enjoyable and acceptable intervention. Our findings confirm the acceptability of the trial processes and intervention, whilst also identifying important areas for modification to enhance a definitive future trial.

Funding: NIHR Research for Patient Benefit grant (NIHR203185).

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Contributors

Author: Z. Saynor

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