Your CF annual review is a detailed assessment of every aspect of your condition and current therapies. This allows us to assess changes over the last year, identify where treatments can be improved, and produce a plan for the following year.
ANNUAL REVIEW INVESTIGATIONS
This includes breathing tests (lung function), exercise tests, blood tests, sputum specimen and investigations including a chest x-ray, liver ultrasound, bone density scan and oral glucose tolerance test (for patients who do not have CF-related diabetes.)
Patients will receive an annual review feedback letter on an annual basis reporting details of test results and feedback comments from the multi-disciplinary team. This includes sections on lung function, nutrition, results on sputum, blood test, vitamin levels, bone scan and ultrasound scan. We also list your current medications, give advice regarding your treatments and have a general comments section.
Please bring this letter to your next clinic appointment for discussion with the CF Consultant. This appointment is your opportunity to discuss your management plan for the following year based on the results of your investigations and assessments as detailed in your annual review feedback letter.
The Dietitian will discuss pancreatic enzymes, vitamin supplementation, calcium intake, dietary advice, bowel function and management of CF-related diabetes.
The Physiotherapist will discuss airway clearance technique, exercise, posture and incontinence issues.
The CF Nurse Specialist will discuss your health during the previous year, review your medication, allergies and medication sensitivities. You will be asked about employment/education, family support and living arrangements, contraception and fertility status so that we can provide you with any information you need or refer you to the appropriate person. The roles of the psychosocial service will be explained and a referral can be made if necessary.
As part of the annual review process the CF pharmacist (Douglas) will contact your GP for a current list of your medication. This helps us to keep our list of medication up to date and to identify any issues that you may wish to discuss with the team about your treatments. We will assume you consent to this process unless you tell us otherwise. Please let us know if you would rather we did not contact your GP without your knowledge.
Annual Review Tests – Information
| INVESTIGATION | REASON | FREQUENCY |
| CHEST X-RAY | To check the health of your lungs. | ANNUALLY |
| ORAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST | To screen for CF related diabetes. | ANNUALLY |
| EXERCISE ASSESSMENT | Lung function assessment during exercise. | ANNUALLY |
| SPUTUM POT | To check what is growing in your lungs. | EVERY VISIT |
| DEXA BONE SCAN | To screen for CF related bone disease. | 3 YEARLY |
| ABDOMEN ULTRASOUND SCAN | To screen for CF related liver disease. | 1-3 YEARLY |
| AVAILABLE ASSESSMENTS | |
| ASSESSMENT | EXPLANATION |
| PHYSIOTHERAPY | Review of airway clearance techniques, equipment and advice on physical activity. |
| DIETETIC | Review of weight/BMI, dietary intake, pancreatic enzymes, vitamins and glucose tolerance.* Please bring your completed 3 day food diary. |
| CF NURSE | An opportunity to discuss your education, work, benefits, travel and relationships. |
| PSYCHOLOGY | An opportunity to discuss your emotions and how you cope with CF. |
| PHARMACY | Medication review and advice. As part of your care we may contact your GP for a list of medications. If you do not wish us to do this then please let us know. |
| MEDICAL | Review of your health and future treatments and care. |
| IMMUNISATION | It is recommended to have an annual flu vaccination. |
