CompletedInterventional

Feasibility and acceptability of using a shared decision making intervention to support patient choice of airway clearance techniques in bronchiectasis physiotherapy consultations in the NHS

If you have bronchiectasis, a lung condition causing mucus build-up and infections, you might be interested in this study. Physiotherapists teach techniques to clear mucus, but choosing the right one isn't always easy. This study explores a new way to help you and your physiotherapist pick the best technique for you, using something called 'shared decision-making'. This means you'll work together to make choices about your care. The goal is to see if this approach is helpful and makes it easier for patients to decide. Participants will attend appointments, fill out questionnaires, and possibly be interviewed to share their experiences.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

01 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2026

Bronchiectasis

What is this study about?

Bronchiectasis is a long-term lung condition that makes your airways wider than they should be. This can lead to a build-up of sticky mucus, which often causes coughing and chest infections. Lots of people in the UK live with this condition.

To help keep your lungs clear, physiotherapists teach you special exercises and methods called 'airway clearance techniques' (ACTs). These can help reduce how many infections you get and how often you need to go to hospital. There are different types of ACTs, but we don’t have clear evidence yet to say which one works best for everyone.

This study is looking at a new way to help you choose the best ACT for you. It's called 'shared decision-making', which means you and your healthcare team will discuss all the options and make choices together. The study wants to find out if this shared approach is a good way to help patients with bronchiectasis pick the airway clearance technique that suits them best. It also aims to see if patients find this approach helpful and easy to use.

Key takeaways

Tests a new way to choose airway clearance techniques (ACTs) for bronchiectasis.
Uses 'shared decision-making' where you choose with your healthcare team.
Aims to see if this approach is helpful and easy to use.
Involves physiotherapy appointments, questionnaires, and possibly interviews.
Could improve future care for people with bronchiectasis.
Run by Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Who may be eligible?

If you're an adult aged 18 or over with bronchiectasis, you might be able to take part in this study. However, this study can't include people whose bronchiectasis is caused by cystic fibrosis.

To join, you also need to be able to understand information and make decisions about your care. You should own a mobile phone and be attending a specialist bronchiectasis clinic for the first time.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a diagnosis of bronchiectasis (not caused by cystic fibrosis)?
Can you understand information and make decisions about your health?
Do you own a mobile phone?
Is this your first visit to a specialist bronchiectasis clinic?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll go to a physiotherapy appointment where your physiotherapist will use the new shared decision-making method to help you choose an airway clearance technique. You'll then have follow-up appointments after one month and again after three months. During the study, you'll be asked to fill out some questionnaires. You might also be invited to have an interview to talk about your experiences, which can be done conveniently online. For some participants, audio recordings of their physiotherapy consultations might be made (with your permission) to gather feedback.

Potential risks and benefits

You might find it helpful to get extra support in choosing an airway clearance technique that truly works for you. Your involvement could also help improve care for many other people with bronchiectasis in the future. We don't expect any harm from the shared decision-making approach itself. However, taking part will involve some of your time to complete questionnaires and potentially an interview. You are always free to leave the study at any time.

Locations (2)

The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
University Hospital Birmingham
Approximate
Birmingham, England

Common questions

What is an airway clearance technique (ACT)?

ACTs are special exercises and methods taught by physiotherapists to help clear mucus from your lungs if you have bronchiectasis.

What is 'shared decision-making'?

It's an approach where you and your healthcare team talk about all the treatment options and make choices together, based on what's best for you.

How long will the study run?

The study is expected to run for one year, from June 2025 to June 2026.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK.

Can I still take part if I have cystic fibrosis?

No, this study is not for people whose bronchiectasis is caused by cystic fibrosis.

How to find out more

Paul McCallion

p.mccallion2@newcastle.ac.uk +44 191 2448218 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.