MDT Relationships
For many people with CF, relationships with the multidisciplinary (MDT) clinical care team have been a constant throughout life. Regular hospital stays and frequent clinic visits often created close, familiar connections built on trust and shared experience. As modulators and improved treatments reduce the need for hospital admissions, these relationships can start to look and feel different.
Our relationship has changed with patients now that they’re getting healthier and their lung function is improving. Previously our relationship might be more focussed on acute illnesses and improving health. Now, our relationship is counselling for longevity, for living longer and looking at how their life will look like over another 40 years instead of, another ten years.
– CF Health Professional
People with CF taking highly effective modulator therapies have fewer hospitalisations and may spend less time in clinic-based care. Some care-team models for CF are even transforming in response to improved therapies and fewer hospital admissions, prompting teams to focus more on long-term health planning rather than frequent crisis care.
When I’m in clinic we’ve been talking about how my weeks been, what has happened since last time I was there, and more positive community conversations.
– Teenager with CF
For some, this shift can feel freeing and empowering, a sign of independence and stability. For others, it can feel like a loss, especially when hospital visits and regular appointments once provided reassurance and familiar support.
At the same time, many people are finding new positives in these changing relationships. With fewer health issues taking up appointment time and care teams become more personal and forward-looking, conversations can shift toward life goals, wellbeing, and what matters most beyond CF.
It’s okay to miss the familiarity and comfort of old routines, the regular check-ins, the familiar faces, the rhythm of clinic life, and it’s also okay to enjoy the freedom that comes with needing less medical care.
We really do see that the future of people on modulators being more of a partnership and more of a support rather than needing to have quite as much involvement with all different aspects of health care, like we would have had previously. The needs of our patient population are definitely changing.
– CF Health Professional
These evolving relationships reflect progress. Your care team is still there, just in a new way, to help you navigate long-term health, celebrate milestones, and support you as your independence grows. Staying in touch through check-ins or sharing updates can keep that connection strong, even when you’re feeling well.