Cystic Fibrosis centres need to offer patients comprehensive care that can treat the entire spectrum of disease associated complications including mental health, the conference has heard.

Presenting to delegates in a session on standards of care: building a bridge to the clinic Mandy Byron a psychologist at Great Ormond Street in London, UK, said CF centres should be staffed by a multidisciplinary team that included:

• Consultant paediatrician / pulmonologist
• Clinical microbiologist
• Medical support from trainees
• Clinical nurse specialist
• Physiotherapist
• Dietician
• Clinical psychologist
• Social worker
• Pharmacist
• Secretarial support
• Database/ registry coordinator

The location of the psychologist within the MDT was crucial as it reduced costs, risk and waste with no onward referral or danger of missed communication.

The team psychologist should have expert knowledge of CF and be aware of the likely impacts of CF and its treatment on emotional functioning and key triggers for potential distress, Byron told delegates.

“Physical health and mental health should be managed at the same time, using an anticipatory – immediate – preventative approach” she said.