Palestinian Health Reform and Development Project: Cystic Fibrosis Rehabilitation Clinic

The clinic's primary goal is to improve the quality of life for patients with cystic fibrosis. The hospital's team, led by Dr. George Zoughbi, includes a social worker, Wafa Qumsieh, who facilitates visits to the hospital and provides counseling to patients and their families. The clinic's services include dietary counseling, provided by pediatrician George Zoughbi, who conducted physical examinations and offered dietary advice to 11 patients during the reporting period. The team also provided 144 chest physiotherapy sessions to 7 hospitalized patients and 23 outpatient physiotherapy sessions to 23 patients. Additionally, the team administered 13 Quality of Life Questionnaires to 13 patients, showing a noticeable improvement in their psychosocial status and appetite. The hospital's medical laboratory, led by Dr. Musa Hindyeh, processed blood samples from 15 patients and their family members in preparation for genetic testing. The team also obtained sputum samples from patients for screening and performed 13 Quality of Life Questionnaires. The clinic's services are aimed at improving the quality of life for patients with cystic fibrosis. The team's efforts have resulted in a noticeable increase in compliance with recommended treatment, with patients continuing to attend scheduled visits and therapy sessions. The hospital plans to purchase electronic chest vests for use in CF patients to help with airway clearance and improve breathing. The clinic's services are expected to continue in the upcoming months, with the team planning to send a team of doctors and physical therapists to Israel and other places to gain more experience in the field of cystic fibrosis treatment. The hospital's budget for 2011/2012 will include the CF clinic, ensuring the continuation of services. The clinic's services have benefited 7 females and 9 males from various towns and villages, including Hebron, Shioukh, Fawwar Camp, and Deheisheh Camp. The team's efforts have resulted in improved quality of life for patients with cystic fibrosis, with noticeable improvements in their psychosocial status and appetite.