TY - JOUR T1 - Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Nebulizer and Compressor Accessibility Survey JF - Respiratory Care SP - 1840 LP - 1847 DO - 10.4187/respcare.09197 VL - 66 IS - 12 AU - Mary Lester AU - Dabney Eidson AU - Shaina Blair AU - Sue Gray AU - Pamela Sapp AU - Frank J Zupancic AU - Bruce C Marshall AU - Ariel Berlinski Y1 - 2021/12/01 UR - http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/66/12/1840.abstract N2 - BACKGROUND: Although guidelines for inhaled therapies for individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) are available, recommendations for compressors/nebulizers to optimize care are lacking. The CF Foundation (CFF) convened a multidisciplinary task force to assess the use, durability, accessibility, and cost burden of compressors/nebulizers.METHODS: Online surveys were developed and distributed to 287 CFF programs and adults with CF and parents of children with CF (adults with CF/parents).RESULTS: Health care providers from 38 states completed the survey (59% response rate). Respiratory therapists were mostly responsible to coordinate ordering nebulizers and compressors. Durable medical equipment companies were the most common source of acquisition of compressors (71.8%) and nebulizers (45.9%). A majority of health care providers did not feel the compressors were durable (51.1%) or that they could get enough nebulizers to their patients (69.2%). Barriers to procure compressors were reported. The survey was completed by 734 adults with CF/parents from 48 states. Most adults with CF/parents rated their compressor as durable (65.8%); however, 85.5% of respondents reported some user-experience problem(s). “Hoses popping off” and “increased nebulization time” were most commonly reported. Almost 20% of respondents did not have access to a compressor at some point in the previous year. Most adults with CF/parents did not change compressor filters per manufacturer’s recommendation (40% never). Adults with CF/parents reported performing a median of 4 inhaled treatments per day. Median use of nebulizers was 6 months. Most adults with CF/parents thought they had enough nebulizers (53.7%). Individuals with CF doing more inhaled treatments reported more compressor malfunctions. The median out-of-pocket expense was $75–99 and $50–74 for compressors and nebulizers, respectively.CONCLUSIONS: Although the perceptions of health care providers and adults with CF/parents differed to a certain extent, the surveys uncovered several significant issues that may compromise quality of care. Improvement in access to devices and education are needed. ER -