Cystic fibrosis: a new challenge for the patient-care team.

To date, most cases of cystic fibrosis have been treated in pediatric 
hospitals. With changes and advances in treatment, patients who were once 
considered terminally ill are now living into adulthood. The stresses that 
result from chronic illness are considered herein from the standpoint of 
the social caseworker, who plans a crucial role on the patient-care 
team. New problems regarding the personal development of the patient are 
presented, with particular emphasis on the role of a CF patient 
as a parent. The role of the respiratory therapist in the 
care of such patients is unique. This is due to the 
extensiveness of patient contact, both verbal and physical, and to the 
primary threat that pulmonary disease poses to the patient with CF. 
The therapist's ability to cope with the problem, while aiding the 
family and patient to do the same, becomes crucial to the 
child's rehabilitation. The requirements for fulfilling this role are educational and 
developmental in nature, and should be pursued as a model for 
future patient care. 