LAUSR

Objectives: It is suggested that the use of digital technologies can improve both patients experience and engagement with health care, especially for patients with chronic conditions. The aim of this study is to explore whether goal-focused, motivational text messages are effective at improving patient’s belief in their own ability (self-efficacy) to complete inhaled therapies in adults with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). This is part of a wider study which was completed as part of a Masters in Clinical Research. Method: Feasibility and acceptability, exploratory study. Inclusion criteria: I-neb user, adherence to inhaled therapy ≤ 50% and ready to change behaviour towards inhaled therapy (assessed using Readiness to Change Scale). Patients excluded were those currently receiving home visits for adherence support. Baseline measures were recorded; including self-efficacy measured using the Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE). Short and long term SMARTgoals specific to inhaled therapy adherence were set collaboratively. Subsequently patients received twice weekly goal-focused motivational text messages over 1 month. Results: 14 patients were screened. 11 met the inclusion criteria and consented to participate (8 females, 3 males; median FEV1 2.06L). 2 of the 11 participants withdrew from the study early due to an infective exacerbation requiring intravenous antibiotics. Individual patient improvements were observed in GSE scores pre - post intervention in 8/11 participants; GSE pre (median 28, interquartile (IQR) range 26–30), GSE post (median 32, IQR 30–33). Change in GSE (median 2, IQR 0–4). Conclusion: Improvements in patient’s self-efficacy with regards to nebulised therapy were observed following receipt of goal-focused motivational text messages. Further research is needed to explore which patients will respond best to this type of intervention, and whether these short term improvements could be sustained or further improved with a longer intervention.