How We Support Cystic Fibrosis Clinics

Cystic Fibrosis Canada does not provide direct financial assistance to people with cystic fibrosis. However, we enhance their care by supporting 42 CF clinics across Canada. Located in most major cities within a teaching hospital, many clinics also have links to universities.

• Clinic Incentive Grant Program - Funds are awarded annually to each clinic based on the number of people with CF they serve. Salary support is provided to clinic staff to ensure they have adequate time to dedicate to the CF clinic. Funds also help cover travel costs for staff from larger clinics to conduct Outreach Clinics in remote communities. We provide financial assistance so clinic staff can attend CF-related meetings and conferences.
   
• Canadian Clinic Meetings - We organize and host annual meetings at which CF physicians and clinic staff discuss shared CF care issues. They develop national practices and guidelines to ensure consistent high-quality care across the country. CF research initiatives in Canada are also profiled and clinic staff can determine if opportunities exist for their patients to take part in these projects.
   
• Outreach Clinics - Some CF clinics conduct Outreach Clinics. A CF physician and nurse (and perhaps another team member) travel to a city where there is no CF clinic. They see people with cystic fibrosis for a day at a local hospital. The clinics, which take place once or twice a year, provide specialized care for people with cystic fibrosis even if they do not live near a CF clinic.
   
• Hospital Stays - If people with cystic fibrosis have to be hospitalized, staff at a CF clinic will care for them while they are being admitted.
   
• Accreditation Site Visit Program - This program aims to ensure that each person with cystic fibrosis across the country receives the same high-quality care. Physicians from CF clinics conduct full-day clinic visits to assess services, and review processes and clinical activities. Staff concerns are addressed and raised with hospital administration. They could include a lack of clinic rooms or too little time for clinic staff to serve people with CF adequately. Like other networking opportunities we offer, site visits ensure Cystic Fibrosis Canada funds are being used effectively and CF care is consistent across Canada.
   
• Canadian CF Patient Data Registry (CPDR) - CPDR supports clinics by collecting and analyzing data (from people with CF) to calculate vital statistical information. It is used to determine the median age of survival and other measurements of progress. CPDR can also help design studies. It can show, for example, where a certain number of people with CF with specific ages and complications attend clinics.
   
• Standards of Care - Canadian CF clinical standards of care are currently under review.

Standards of CF care in other countries:

Europe

Australia

United Kingdom

Reviewed/updated: 2011-05-06