Background International consensus statements on depression and anxiety in adolescents and adults with CF recommend assessment for comorbid substance misuse. However, at CF centers, the frequency and impact of substance misuse have not been well characterized, and best practices for prevention, identification, and evidence-based treatment have not been routinely implemented. Methods Medical records of 148 adults with CF over 3 years were reviewed to determine the prevalence of substance misuse (alcohol or opiates) and its relationship with clinical variables and healthcare utilization. Independent-sample t-test for continuous outcomes and chi-square test for binary outcomes were used to compare groups with and without substance misuse. Results Substance misuse was documented in 28 (19%) adults with CF, equally distributed between alcohol (n=13) and opiates (n=15). Adults with substance misuse were more likely to be male. The prevalence of diagnosed anxiety and depression did not differ significantly between groups, but those with substance misuse had more severe anxiety (GAD-7: 10.0±6.1 vs. 3.3±4.4; p<0.001) and depressive symptoms (PHQ-9: 10.4±6.5 vs. 4.0±4.8; p<0.001). Adults with substance misuse had higher annual rates of missed outpatient CF visits and inpatient hospitalizations, with hospital admissions of longer mean duration. Conclusions In adults with CF, substance misuse is common and is associated with adverse indicators of emotional and physical health and service utilization, suggesting that systematic approaches to addressing substance misuse in CF clinics should be considered. Prospective, longitudinal study is warranted to elucidate the complex relationships between depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and health outcomes in individuals with CF.

Background: eHealth CF-CBT is the first digital mental health intervention for depression/anxiety in adults with cystic fibrosis (awCF); an 8-session therapist-guided internet-delivered program that was developed in English and Dutch with stakeholder input and evaluation indicating high acceptability and usability. Methods: Dutch eHealth CF-CBT was piloted in awCF with mild-moderate symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. Feasibility, usability, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy were assessed, measuring pre-post changes in depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), perceived stress (PSS) and health-related quality of life (CFQ-R). Results: All participants (n=10, 7 female, mean age 29 (range 21-43), mean FEV1 71%pred (range 31-115)) completed all sessions. Patient-rated feasibility, usability and acceptability of eHealth CF-CBT was positive on validated scales, as were qualitative assessments of content and format. GAD-7 improved in 90% of participants; in 50% by ≥ the minimally important difference (MID) of 4 points. PHQ-9 improved in 90%; 40% by ≥ the MID of 5. PSS improved in 80%. CFQ-R improved in the domain Health Perceptions (70%). Conclusions: eHealth CF-CBT demonstrated feasibility, usability, acceptability and promising preliminary efficacy in this pilot trial with Dutch awCF with mild to moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Objectives: The CF Foundation sponsored competitive awards for Mental Health Coordinators (MHCs) from 2016-2018 to implement the international guidelines for mental health screening and treatment in US CF centers. Longitudinal surveys evaluated success in implementing these guidelines using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Methods: MHCs completed annual surveys assessing implementation from Preparation/Basic Implementation (e.g., using recommended screeners) to Full Implementation/Sustainability (e.g., providing evidence-based treatments). Points were assigned to questions through consensus, with higher scores assigned to more complex tasks. Linear regression and mixed effects models were used to: 1) examine differences in centers and MHC characteristics, 2) identify predictors of success, 3) model the longitudinal trajectory of implementation scores. Results: 122 MHCs (88.4% responded): Cohort 1 N=80, Cohort 2 N=30, Cohort 3 N=12. No differences in center characteristics were found. Significant improvements in implementation were observed across centers over time. Years of experience on a CF team was the only significant predictor of success; those with 1-5 years or longer reported the highest implementation scores. Change over time was predicted by >5 years of experience. Conclusions: Implementation of the mental health guidelines was highly successful over time. Funding for MHCs with dedicated time was critical. Longitudinal modeling indicated that CF centers with diverse characteristics could implement them, supported by evidence from the CF Patient Registry showing nearly universal uptake of mental health screening in the US. Years of experience predicted better implementation, suggesting that education and training of MHCs and retention of experienced providers are critical to success.