Co-designing and piloting the Partnership Enhancement Program for Australia

Abstract

Background: The Partnership Enhancement Program (PEP) is the first CF-specific relationship-centred communication training program for multidisciplinary healthcare professionals. PEP provides a communication framework to promote trust, open dialogue and patient-provider partnerships. PEP has been piloted and implemented in CF healthcare teams across the United States, demonstrating efficacy to improve the quality of care. There is no equivalent training program in Australia, despite being highlighted as a key area of need. This project aims to adapt and pilot PEP within an Australian context. This initiative marks PEP's global expansion by systematically tailoring the intervention for Australia. Methods: In 2024, the Partnership Enhancement Program - Australia (PEPAus) team was established to address this unmet need. The PEP-Aus team represents an international collaboration between the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) and an Australian multidisciplinary healthcare team. A Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) methodology will be applied (see Figure 1). Results: This initiative commenced in March 2025. The PEP-Aus team currently consists of two clinical nurse consultants, a social worker, a dietitian, a physical therapist, two respiratory physicians and a medical education specialist, from across Australia. The team members hold a range of senior clinical and research positions within CF care. PwCF and family members will be invited to join the team. Findings from the planning stage are anticipated late 2025, with pilot study completion due December 2026. The results will contribute to a deeper understanding of how to enhance patient-provider communication and partnerships within the Australian CF context. It is hypothesized that the PEP-Aus pilot will demonstrate acceptability and feasibility and improve health professional satisfaction and patient experience, thus providing the rationale for nationwide implementation. Conclusions: This project aims to improve the quality of care delivered to those living with CF by recognizing and harnessing the power of coproduction and clinician communication skills. The long-term aim of the project is to offer PEP-Aus training to all Australian CF centers. Acknowledgements: The PEP-Aus team acknowledges the ongoing collaborative spirit and support from the CFF.