Children with Cystic Fibrosis(CF) often suffer from frequent respiratory tract infections that progressively damage lungs and impair patients’ ability to breath. These children are frequently treated with antibiotics to eradicate and prevent bacterial infections. Repeated use of antibiotics may lead to antibiotic resistance. World Health Organisation reports antibiotics resistance as one of the biggest threats to global health and misuse of antibiotics is one of the leading causes. In Ireland, children with CF attend their General Practitioner, specialist clinicians and Nurse Specialists for the management of their chronic condition. Some parents opt for shared care where children regularly visit their local hospital in addition to CF specialist clinics in other counties for annual review or when there is an acute exacerbation of their condition. This multi-centre and multidisciplinary approach to management may cause inadequate monitoring of their antibiotics use.
Advancement in technology has resulted in many technology-based medication adherence monitoring devices including sensor systems, proximity sensing, vision systems and combinations. In this digital age children have good skills and interest in technological gadgets. Having a valid and reliable device which can be operated by children and their parents will facilitate accurate medication monitoring. However, knowledge about technological applications to antibiotic use monitoring are limited. A systematic review will provide insight into the available technologies and its usability in monitoring antibiotics use and adherence in children with CF. The study will explore the antibiotics adherence monitoring and identify the validity of their use for children with CF.
