Focusing on the penultimate step: Increasing early lung transplant discussion in cystic fibrosis clinic to prepare patients for referral

Abstract

Lung transplant is a potential life-lengthening option for individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) and advanced lung disease. However, referral for transplant evaluation is not made for the majority of patients with CF with low lung function who die each year.1 Recently published consensus guidelines from the CF Foundation identify early transplant discussion as a critical approach to optimise access to this treatment option.2 This quality improvement (QI) intervention sought to improve education of patients with CF regarding transplant by increasing the frequency of outpatient CF clinic visits in which transplant is discussed with patients with low lung function.