The Care Center Network Model
Clinics accepted to participate in the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network will receive one of the following designations, depending on their institutional resources and infrastructure:
- Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center
- Bronchiectasis and NTM Clinical Associate Center
The designation criteria and requirements for each type of center has been established by the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network Steering Committee.
Background
Individuals with bronchiectasis and NTM often struggle with symptoms such as chronic cough, mucus production, dyspnea, hemoptysis, fatigue, weight loss and repeated lung infections. These patients are known to have reduced quality of life and increased anxiety and depression.1,2 Over time, bronchiectasis and NTM can lead to impaired lung function and long-term disability and have been associated with increased mortality.3,4
Disease management for both conditions involves several components including, but not limited to: airway clearance, exercise, pulmonary rehabilitation, proper diet/nutrition, antibiotic therapy and a range of inhaled medications. The disease management process can often be lengthy, taking up to a few hours daily.3 The goals for treatment include reducing symptom burden, eliminating and preventing infections and exacerbations, improving (or maintaining) quality of life and maintaining lung function.5
In addition to the impact on patients and their families, research shows that the economic impact of bronchiectasis is significant, especially among those with more frequent exacerbations,6,7 and that incidence for both conditions is on the rise.8,9
The Care Center Network has been established to help address the burden on patients and their families and to facilitate quality care options as the number of individuals diagnosed with NTM lung disease and bronchiectasis increases.
The Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network Steering Committee
We have established a Steering Committee (see below) comprised of leading experts in the field who bring a diverse set of skills, experience, and expertise. The Steering Committee will provide oversight of the CCN site designation criteria and requirements, ensuring that they are in alignment with most up-to-date standards of care and treatment guidelines (as available in the future).
