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Arkansas
Cystic Fibrosis
FAQs Ø Are infection control policies in place at the Adult Program? We take Infection control just as seriously as it is at Arkansas Children's Hospital (ACH). Strict infection control practices are implemented both in the clinic as well as in the hospital. In clinic, the patients do not wait in the waiting room but are placed directly into exam rooms. Patients with resistant isolates in sputum are placed in a separate hall from patients who are not colonized to help prevent cross infection. Contact isolation (gowns and gloves) practices are used. PFT’s are done in the exam room. Strict hand washing is also followed. In the hospital, all patients are in private rooms and contact isolation is used for all CF patients, regardless of sputum bacteriology.
Ø Will I be in a private room in the hospital? If hospitalized, you will have your own room. Hospital stays are usually shorter and more home IV’s are used. Our CF team is aware that you have a life, whether it be with family, friends, job, or school. CF patients also have small refrigerators and microwaves for their rooms.
Ø How’s the food? Let’s face it. Food is an important part of our life. The CF team is aware of the need to have flexible menu options to maximize nutrition in CF care. The nutritionist will see all CF patients in the hospital to optimize choices and make sure that there are plenty of snacks between meals.
Ø What about guests and visitation in the hospital? There are options for family members or others to stay in the room as long as it does not interfere with care.
Ø Is the CF care as good at the Adult Program? It is a fact that the disease process of CF is progressive and health declines over time. This means it is unavoidable that there may be sicker patients at the adult program and that sometimes an adult patient with CF may die. This doesn’t mean that it happens at time of transition. The CF Foundation collects data on all CF Centers and provides information on outcomes (like lung function and nutrition) to the centers, making that information available to the public on their website. The outcomes at our Adult program are in general comparable to the outcomes at ACH and also to average outcomes around the country. The Adult Program, in conjunction with ACH, is actively involved in Quality Improvement projects to work on improving these outcomes. We are also actively involved in educating patients about their responsibility to take charge of their own healthcare by attending clinic regularly and adhering to treatments.
Ø Are there changes in insurance at the time of transfer? There are a lot of potential insurance changes that can occur at the age of 18 years. This is also the prime age of transition to adult care. One has nothing to do with the other, however. Because they both happen around 18 years, people sometimes associate them together. The best thing is to be prepared and knowledgeable about insurance options before turning 18. In fact, the Adult CF program has more knowledge and experience about these options specific to adults.
Ø What if I move out of the area? If you plan on moving out of state to attend college or pursue a career, we can help locate another CF Center that will be available in your area, as well as arrange for copies of medical records to be forwarded, ensuring a smooth transfer of care.
University of Arkansas for
Medical Sciences
To Make
an Appointment Call the Access Center at: 1-501-686-8000 or
1-800-942-8267
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