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.