The Impact Of A Tele-Exercise Program For Children With Cystic Fibrosis During The Covid-19 Pandemic On Quality Of Life

Cystic fibrosis is a chronic, progressive, life-shortening, genetic, complex disease that affects multiple organs and systems. The care and treatment process of cystic fibrosis disease requires a multidisciplinary approach. Regular exercise (as it is an important component of therapeutic treatment) improves respiratory function in children with cystic fibrosis. However, the treatment burden of the disease in the child and the serious respiratory system complications caused by the Covid-19 infection during the pandemic process cause patients with cystic fibrosis to be in the high risk group. Since it is thought that it is difficult for children with cystic fibrosis to exercise during the pandemic process, home exercise programs have gained importance. With the developing technology, patients are consulted remotely, training and consultancy services are provided and they can be followed continuously through phone calls and video conferences. Nurses are an important part of the multidisciplinary team responsible for the protection, development and maintenance of the health of the individual in every period of life. They have assumed the roles of educator, consultant, decision-maker, therapeutic, caregiver and researcher in order to protect the quality of life of children with exercise programs and to ensure that they lead an active life. In order for nurses to make exercise a part of the lives of children with cystic fibrosis, they should determine the knowledge level, awareness and needs of children and their families, and provide adequate and effective counseling so that they can meet their individual needs.