The impact of whole multidisciplinary team experience transfer on the launch of a new Cystic Fibrosis Centre

Introduction
Survival rates and quality of life among patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) can be attributed to a holistic approach to disease management. A joint approach to healthcare, facilitated by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) that subscribes to continuing professional development, can ensure better service delivery. The launch of a new state-of-the-art centre in Warsaw provided an opportunity to facilitate departure training for an entire multidisciplinary team by sharing practices with an experienced CF centre in Dresden, Germany. The primary objective was to assess the change in MDT comfort levels in providing CF care after participating in CF-specific training.

Material and methods
ssessments were performed before opening a new CF centre, to inform the development of an 18-hour curriculum tailored to the complexity of CF care. Providers experienced in CF care (n = 15), and new workers (n = 11) participated in the training. Pre- and post-course surveys assessed the MDT’s comfort with the three targeted domains of CF care (involvement in CF care, knowledge of CF management, and practical skills in CF care) using a five-point Likert scale.

Results
Among course participants (n = 26), there was a statistically significant difference in the questionnaire results before and after training in total (p = 0.000) as well as for the three categories (involvement [p = 0.000], knowledge [p = 0.000], and skills [p = 0.000]). The average overall pre-training score was 86.6, which varied from an average of ±26.8 (SD) to 112.1 ±15.4 (SD) after training.

Conclusions
A joint approach (MDT) to CF care, with the aim of disseminating best practices, increased awareness as to what constitutes best practice. Participants reported increased levels of comfort in administering CF care. There was clear willingness to participate in continuing professional development and self-assessment. The study confirmed the need for a more robust approach to CF MDT care training, particularly among new employees.