The pilot project, led by Perth Children’s Hospital, uses surfing as a family-based intervention to help improve the mental health of children with cystic fibrosis.
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder with no current cure, which affects one in 2,500 babies born in Australia. The condition primarily affects the respiratory system (lungs), the digestive system (the pancreas and liver) and the reproductive system, due to malfunction of the exocrine system.
The exocrine system is responsible for the production of saliva, sweat, tears and mucus and people suffering from CF produce an abnormally high amount if mucus in their lungs, airways and digestive system. As a consequence, there is malfunction of the digestive and respiratory systems. The excessive mucus production also leads to the accumulation of bacteria, causing recurrent infections.
There is no cure for Cystic Fibrosis, and patients affected by this condition need life-long management. As a consequence, people affected by CF and other chronic conditions are more likely to also experience mental health problems.
Now, a project led by Perth Children’s Hospital shows that surfing lessons are an effective way to help with the mental health of children with CF.
The ‘Blue Healer’ project
The project, led by Senior Clinical Psychologist at PCH Joanna White, is focused on improving the mental health of children with cystic fibrosis. Children with CF and other chronic conditions are two-three times more likely to develop mental health issues, compared to healthy children.
The ‘Blue Healer’ project is the first in the world to use surfing as a family-based intervention to help children with cystic fibrosis have a better life.
According to the lead researcher, results so far show improved physical and psychological wellbeing in children who took part of the project.
“Creating a positive impact on the whole family means there’s a greater chance of long-term benefit to the child’s wellbeing,” said Ms White.
So far, a total of 15 families have participated in this pilot project. One of the families involved, who included nine-year old Mary Rogers, who suffers from CF, saw significant improvement in their child’s wellbeing, such as improved confidence.
“We also really appreciated being offered a family activity because it was not only fun but it acknowledged the demands on any family caring for a child with a chronic disease. It takes a lot of work to keep Mary healthy, such as physio twice a day at home but participating in this research project introduced us to a fun and positive activity for our family,” said Mary’s mother, Ms Rogers, in a press release.
The ‘Blue Healer’ project was funded by the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF).
“Clinicians and families are already seeing the positive impact that this surfing intervention program is having to aid in children’s recovery,” said PCHF CEO Carrick Robinson. “As the funder of the program, we’re now exploring options with the Perth Children’s Hospital to expand the program into other areas of care so that more WA kids can get well and stay well,” he added.
Now, the research team plans to secure further funding to expand their program, including a larger number of children and catering for children with other chronic conditions.