2.1 Procedure
This study was a within-subject, pre-post design, notified to the Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital Ethical Committee. It involved pwCF, ages 12-36 years, and caregivers of pwCF younger than 18. Enrollment criteria included: diagnosis of CF, ages 12 and older, and parents of children with CF. Participants completed measures electronically; medical data were extracted from charts.
The Telehealth Psychological Support Intervention was carried out during the COVID-19 lockdown, from March through May 2020. A letter inviting participation was sent by the CF Patients/Parents Association one week after lockdown. Participation in the intervention was also shared through social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram). A dedicated phone line accepted requests for participation. Participants completed 4 “zoom” sessions using online video platforms, 30-40 minutes each, conducted by a clinical psychologist on the CF Team. Participants were asked to find a quiet, private place, using headphones and microphone.
Written, informed consent was obtained. All individuals provided a stress rating (10-point Likert scale) at the beginning of each session and completed the PHQ-8 and GAD-7 measures at the pre and post-assessment. Feasibility and Satisfaction were rated one week after the last session.