National Jewish Health and ProPatient Collaborate to take Cystic Fibrosis Education to the Next Level

ProPatient, an innovator for patient-focused, online educational platforms is working with National Jewish Health, the leading respiratory hospital in the country and home to the largest adult cystic fibrosis (CF) center in the United States, to bring a novel new approach to educate and support CF patients. The program uses online simulations of health care providers to provide an interactive, conversation-based method of educating patients about cystic fibrosis and related health issues. The first program was launched in December and is directed at young CF patients preparing for transition to adult care.

“Our platform uses a combination simulation and smart checklists to educate patients and caregivers, and also to help them get more from their doctor visits,” said David Hadden, co-founder of ProPatient.

Improved treatment for children with CF and better diagnostic testing for adults with unusual expressions of CF have steadily increased the number of adults who need specialized care for this disease. More than half of all patients with CF are now 18 years of age or older. As a result, more and more patients need education about how clinical care will change as they transition to adult care.

"Transitioning from pediatric to adult care is an important and exciting milestone for our patients,” said Jerry Nick, MD, director of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program at National Jewish Health. “This online program helps explain adult CF care, and will help our patients have the best possible experience as they begin care with their new team."

The program is titled, “Transitioning to Adult Care in Cystic Fibrosis: Managing Real World Transition Strategies from Adolescence to Adulthood in Cystic Fibrosis.” The creation of the program was supported by an educational grant from Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

Cystic Fibrosis patients across the country will have access to the program online. At National Jewish Health, patients will have access to the program on tablet computers during their visits.   

 “The extent to which patients understand their disease and take charge of their health is critical to helping them live longer and more productive lives. We are excited about this new program,” said Andrea Harshman, MHA, CCMEP, CMP, director of professional education at National Jewish Health. “It is a big leap forward and an exciting format for educating patients about their disease”.

National Jewish Health treats more adult CF patients than any other center in the United States. National Jewish Health is part of the National Therapeutics Development Network which comprises a network of nearly 80 clinical research centers dedicated to conducting clinical trials that evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new CF therapies. The National Jewish Health Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program has more than 1,300 CF-related patient visits per year. The multidisciplinary CF team at National Jewish Health includes pulmonologists, nurse coordinators, respiratory therapists, endocrinologists, dietitians, social workers and research coordinators.
 
“Look for a lot more programs from us in the future. We look forward to expanding our partnership with National Jewish Health into many other conditions to support a wide range of patients and caregivers,” said JoAnne Schaberick, co-founder of ProPatient.

ProPatient is a patient-focused, online educational platform that utilizes interactive video and engaging simulation to provide patients with the opportunity to ask questions of a virtual clinician, and role play different scenarios to test their skills. The ProPatient mobile app is the companion app for your doctor visit, reminding you of the questions you should be asking during your doctor visits and providing checklists of items to consider in the event of a health condition or crisis.