Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program
at Long Beach Memorial
The Adult Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Program at Long Beach Memorial is one of the top CF care facilities for adults in the region and was accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in 2000. Cystic Fibrosis is no longer a "pediatric disease" and with advances in treatment and research, people with CF are expected to live into their 30s, 40s and even older. Patients treated for CF at Long Beach Memorial are living fuller, longer lives because of the outstanding care by a multidisciplinary team of renowned; pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, allergists- immunologists, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, dieticians, social workers, nurses and a nurse practitioner.
Because children are living longer with CF, there's a need to be able to smoothly transition adolescents and young adults into the "adult" health care setting. One of the keys to Long Beach Memorial's success in adult CF care is its CF transitional care program from the Pulmonary, Allergy, Asthma and Cystic Fibrosis Center at Miller Children's Hospital Long Beach. This transition is made even easier since both Long Beach Memorial and Miller Children's are on the same campus despite being separate, free-standing hospitals. The CF care teams are able to work in conjunction with each other on a consistent basis to ensure the highest quality of care is delivered to both their young adult and adult patients.
What is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects about 30,000 children and adults in the United States, with more than 1,000 new cases diagnosed each year. It is a life-threatening disorder that causes severe lung damage and nutritional deficiencies. In the past, individuals with CF rarely lived to young adulthood but with new treatments and screenings, patients are living longer lives.
Transitional Care
To assist young patients in a successful transition, preparation begins early and includes clinical assessment of the adolescent's self-management skills, the development of an individualized care plan, and patient and parent education sessions and counseling. This takes place while the patient continues to receive uninterrupted, developmentally appropriate and psychologically sound health care.Physicians from the pediatric care team work hand-in-hand with adult pulmonologists to provide coordinated, specialized care as patient's transition to an adult care setting. Both pediatric and adult pulmonologists regularly communicate and consult on cases, before transition, and after. Doctors, nurses and nurse navigators work together in transition to assist young adults in becoming adults who are responsible for their own care.
Treatment and Evaluation at Long Beach Memorial
The adult CF program has three adult care pulmonologists on staff who closely monitor lung function, weight and other patient data. There is a focus on early intervention to maintain and improve lung function through patient education, infection control and optimal airway clearance techniques. In addition, there is a dedicated adult CF respiratory therapist and nurse practitioner to coordinate care across the continuum.The CF program also participates in ongoing research projects on inpatient adherence and outcomes and patient knowledge assessment surveys.
Nutrition
Education and special attention to nutrition is vital to the treatment of CF and has the potential to add years to a patient's life expectancy. A gastroenterologist is involved in the treatment plan and will see patients at each appointment along with the CF registered dietician to support dietary and nutritional needs of the patients who have nutritional failure.In addition to nutrition, Body Mass Index (BMI) is tracked closely to stay in accordance with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation guidelines. The BMI tracking is done in conjunction with the forced expiratory volume measure to improve lung function. Good nutrition, weight management and lung function are closely tied to positive outcomes. Having these in check are important to being successful in a comprehensive treatment plan.
