OBJECTIVES: Despite the wealth of qualitative studies exploring the experiences of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), currently no conceptual model of CF exists. Conceptual models are a valuable way to communicate relevant patient-centered concepts and the relationships between them, and form an important framework for understanding what to measure in clinical trials and practice. This study aimed to use patient-derived qualitative insights to develop a conceptual model of CF. METHODS: A targeted literature review was performed to identify qualitative studies describing the lived-experience of patients (aged ≥ 6 years) with CF. CF social media forums were also reviewed to supplement the published data by providing patient-derived quotes where none existed in the literature. Data were coded using Atlas.Ti software, and analysed to develop the conceptual model. Where possible, any differences in concepts according to age were identified. RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first patient-centered conceptual model for CF, reflecting the symptom and impact burdens of CF on patients’ lives as identified through qualitative patient-derived data. As such, this model provides an important critical framework to assess the conceptual relevance and patient-centeredness of outcome assessments ahead of selection for future clinical trials and clinical practice.