CompletedNot ApplicableObservational

Optimising the feasibility and acceptability of a multi-component, digital health intervention to improve outcomes for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term lung condition that can cause sudden flare-ups, often leading to a hospital stay. About one in four people admitted with a flare-up return to hospital within three months. The EDGE2 study tests whether digital tools can help patients stay well at home. If you take part, you will be given a touchscreen tablet and two simple devices to monitor your pulse, oxygen levels, and daily steps. You will use these while in hospital and for six months after you return home. The system also includes helpful guides, such as videos showing the best way to use your inhalers. Researchers will link your home data with your hospital records. They hope this will help doctors predict when someone is becoming unwell so they can step in sooner. Long-term health is monitored for five years through routine NHS records.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Phase

Not Applicable

Sponsor

Clinical Trials and Research Governance – University of Oxford

Enrolment target

100

Start

13 May 2019

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2022

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

What is this study about?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term condition that makes it hard to breathe. People with COPD can experience sudden worsening of symptoms, often called a flare-up or exacerbation. These flare-ups can be scary and frequently result in emergency hospital visits. In fact, many patients end up back in hospital within a few months of going home. Researchers want to find better ways to support people after they leave hospital so they can stay well at home.

The EDGE2 study looks at how digital health equipment can help. If you take part, you will receive a tablet computer and two easy-to-use monitors. These allow you to check your oxygen levels, heart rate, daily steps, and how you are feeling each day. You will also have access to useful educational resources, such as short videos explaining how to use your inhalers correctly.

A key aim of the project is to see if information gathered by patients at home can be joined up with routine hospital records. By bringing these two sources of data together, scientists hope to build smart computer tools that can spot early warning signs of a chest infection or worsening COPD. Detecting these signs early means doctors and nurses could offer help before a person becomes unwell enough to need hospital care.

Taking part helps researchers design better, more personal care for people living with COPD across the NHS. The study does not change your usual medical treatments, but it explores how technology might make daily self-care simpler and more reassuring in the future.

Key takeaways

The EDGE2 study tests home digital tools to help people manage COPD and avoid returning to hospital.
Participants receive a tablet, oxygen monitor, and step counter to use in hospital and for six months at home.
The equipment helps track symptoms and provides educational guides, such as proper inhaler technique.
A research team reviews your uploaded health data twice each week.
Taking part is voluntary, does not replace standard NHS care, and you can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is designed for adults aged 40 and older who have a confirmed medical diagnosis of COPD and are either current smokers or have smoked in the past. To join, you must currently be in hospital because of a COPD flare-up or a chest infection, and you must be planning to return to your own home (rather than a care home or hospital facility) in Oxfordshire or nearby areas.

You should feel able to use a touchscreen tablet and fill in simple health questionnaires. You also need to be able to read and understand everyday English, as the tablet and instructions are provided in English.

You cannot take part if you have another serious lung illness (such as lung cancer) or severe heart failure. People who are receiving palliative or end-of-life care are also unable to join.

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.

I am 40 years of age or older.
I have a confirmed medical diagnosis of COPD.
I currently smoke or used to smoke.
I am currently in hospital due to a COPD flare-up or chest infection.
I will be returning home to Oxfordshire or a neighbouring county after leaving hospital.
I feel comfortable using a simple touchscreen tablet in English.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join the study, a researcher will meet you while you are in hospital to explain everything and show you how to use the equipment. You will receive a tablet computer and two small monitors to track your blood oxygen, heart rate, and daily step count. You will start using them in hospital and take them home with you when you leave.

For the next six months at home, you will regularly check your readings, answer short questions about your symptoms and mood, and explore the app's health videos. A member of the research team reviews your uploaded information twice a week. You do not need to take any new medications, and you do not need extra hospital appointments just for this study.

After your six months of home monitoring are complete, you return the devices. The research team will then follow your general health for five years using standard NHS digital records, so you will not need to attend further check-ups for the study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part may help you understand your lung condition better and build confidence in managing your symptoms at home. You will also be helping the NHS develop better digital care for others with COPD. However, checking your health numbers every day can sometimes make people feel more worried or focused on their illness. It is also vital to know that the research team does not provide emergency monitoring; if you suddenly feel very unwell, you must still contact your GP, call 111, or dial 999. Joining is completely your choice, and you can change your mind and stop at any time without it affecting your regular NHS care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Oxford, England

Common questions

Does this study replace my normal NHS care or GP appointments?

No. The EDGE2 system is an extra support tool for the study. You should continue to see your GP, attend your usual clinic visits, and take your medicines as prescribed.

Do I need to be good with computers to join?

No special computer skills are needed. The tablet and monitors are designed to be clear and simple to use, and the research team will show you exactly what to do before you leave hospital.

What happens if I feel suddenly unwell at home?

The research team only reviews your data twice a week, so the tablet cannot be used for urgent medical help. If you feel unwell, you should follow your usual COPD action plan, call your GP or NHS 111, or dial 999 in an emergency.

Do I have to pay for the equipment or internet connection?

No. The tablet and monitoring devices are provided for free for the six months you take part, and they will be collected once your monitoring period ends.

What happens after the six months of home monitoring are finished?

You will return the tablet and monitors. With your permission, researchers will check routine NHS records over the next five years to see how your health progresses, without needing any extra visits from you.

How to find out more

Bethany Lawson

bethany.lawson@phc.ox.ac.uk 01865 289259 Official trial record

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