Abstract / Summary
Introduction The treatable traits approach involves the identification of traits that are measurable and clinically relevant to the patient, which informs an individualized management plan. While improved quality of life and health outcomes have been demonstrated, the acceptability of this approach to people with bronchiectasis has not been explored. The aim of our study was to explore the acceptability of the treatable traits approach to people with bronchiectasis in a regional setting.Patients and Methods An exploratory qualitative study. Interviews were conducted with adults who first attended an outpatient bronchiectasis clinic in regional Australia, which had implemented the treatable traits approach. The interview guide was developed to explore the seven components of the theoretical framework of acceptability. Engagement with the transcripts occurred using the six phases of thematic analysis to develop key themes.Results Ten participants were included (age 37–82 years; female sex, 70%; Bronchiectasis Severity Index, mild, 20%; moderate, 50%; and severe, 30%). This study reports three themes. ‘A tool kit to support my health’ explores the contribution of individualized and multifaceted interventions to a perceived improvement in respiratory health. ‘Better health, better self’ captures the patient-reported impact of improved respiratory health on quality of life. ‘Some things don’t change’ describes the ongoing challenges for people living with bronchiectasis that are not impacted by the clinic interventions.Conclusion People with bronchiectasis from a single regional Australian clinic described a highly valued and acceptable clinic experience, with perceived improvements in respiratory health and overall well-being despite significant ongoing impacts on daily life.Clinical trial registration This study was registered in the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (https://www.anzctr.org.au/, ACTRN12620000377932)