Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program

The Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital was established to provide for the care of those with cystic fibrosis as they enter and progress through their adult years. We work closely with the pediatric cystic fibrosis team but provide services tailored to meet the needs of our adult patients. Our physician team consists of an adult pulmonologist and two general internists with a combined thirty years of experience in adult cystic fibrosis care, in collaboration with the pediatric pulmonologists, when appropriate.

We recognize the work, family and health care needs of our adults are quite different from those of our younger patients and have a nurse, social worker and dietitians with special adult expertise. By sharing information with the pediatric team, it allows our patients and us to benefit from their experience and provide the opportunity for our patients to receive state-of-the-art care. There is also a possibility to participate in some of the most advanced research studies available. Working with the pediatric team also provides a seamless transition experience from childhood to adult cystic fibrosis care.

Inpatient care is provided on a separate unit at Nationwide Children’s Hospital that specializes in adult care, where the physicians are the same internists our patients see in the clinic setting. We currently provide care for over 200 adults with cystic fibrosis and are accredited as an adult program by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Cystic Fibrosis Inpatient Stay for Adults

Each year, we have approximately 500 cystic fibrosis patient admissions to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Adults with cystic fibrosis are seen by our adult cystic fibrosis providers who will help them get better and home sooner. Hospitalization is a very stressful period for patients and their loved ones and most patients would like to rest in hope of getting better. However, improvement is only possible through working with the staff in all treatment plans as scheduled. In order to allow our adult cystic fibrosis patients reasonable autonomy and participation in their care, we have created schedule options that will allow you as a patient to make decisions in your treatment schedule within the frame of required medical regimens and therefore make you aware of what to expect during your stay on pulmonary unit at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. We are here to work with you to improve and return your health back to baseline quality of life and in order to achieve this good recovery, you will be required to participate in those scheduled activities. The main themes of our expectations are good communication, mutual respect for members of the treatment team and other patients, and active participation in treatment regimen at all times. Your cystic fibrosis care team will be lead by an Adult (Internal Medicine) trained attending who will make rounds daily, will monitor and discuss your care with you, and modify your treatment regimen accordingly. Print a schedule and expectations for inpatient adults with cystic fibrosis.

Cystic Fibrosis Outpatient Clinic

We see approximately 50-60 patients per week in our Tuesday and Thursday afternoon clinics. Learn more about cystic fibrosis outpatient clinic services.

Multidisciplinary Cystic Fibrosis Services

Our Cystic Fibrosis Center is made up of several groups involved in cystic fibrosis care including physicians, nurses, nutrition, social work, respiratory therapy and genetics. Read how these cystic fibrosis services can benefit your family.

Cystic Fibrosis Transition Program

The Cystic Fibrosis Transition Program is designed to help patients overcome the hurdles of childhood and adolescence with a chronic disease. It will also help our patients develop into independent adults who are informed about cystic fibrosis and are able to care for themselves and manage all aspects of their health care.

Home IV Antibiotic Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis care and therapies can sometimes be provided at home. We evaluate our patients, who may need intravenous (IV) antibiotics, to determine if they and their families may benefit from therapies at home instead of at the hospital. Learn more about home therapies for cystic fibrosis.