RecruitingObservational

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease underdiagnosis

This study aims to understand and improve care for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), especially in communities that don't always get the best healthcare, like those in poorer areas or from certain ethnic groups. It will look at existing health information and also directly test people's breathing to see how many have COPD but haven't been diagnosed. The study will also talk to healthcare staff and people living with COPD to understand their experiences. The goal is to work together with patients and healthcare providers to create better ways to spot COPD earlier and provide more effective care, ultimately improving the health and well-being of those affected.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Sheffield

Enrolment target

100

Start

01 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2028

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in underserved populations (depriver and minoritised ethnic groups)

What is this study about?

This study is all about understanding and improving care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, more commonly known as COPD. This is a long-term lung condition that makes it hard to breathe. The researchers are particularly interested in communities that often face bigger challenges in getting good healthcare, such as those in areas with higher levels of poverty or certain ethnic backgrounds. They want to find out how many people in these groups might have COPD without even knowing it, and then work out the best ways to help them.

The study is split into several parts and will happen over five years. First, they'll look at existing health data to get an idea of how many people might be undiagnosed. Then, they'll invite people from specific doctor's surgeries in North Sheffield to take a simple breathing test. This will help them find people who have COPD but haven't been diagnosed yet. After that, they'll chat with healthcare workers and people who have COPD to hear about their experiences and ideas.

Finally, all this information will be used in workshops with patients, doctors, and other experts. Together, they will design new and better ways to diagnose COPD earlier and improve the support and treatment for people living with it. The main goal is to make sure everyone, especially those in underserved communities, gets the care they need to manage their COPD and live healthier lives.

Key takeaways

Aims to improve COPD diagnosis and care in overlooked communities.
Will use breathing tests and interviews to gather information.
Involves various healthcare professionals and patients designing solutions.
Could lead to earlier diagnosis and better health for people with COPD.
Potential risks are low, involving standard medical tests.
Study runs from late 2023 to late 2029.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in the breathing assessment part of the study, you need to be registered at certain GP practices in North Sheffield (SAPA5 and The Foundry). You must be an adult, aged 18 years or older.

For the interviews, you also need to be over 18. You should have personal experience with COPD, either because you have the condition yourself, you work in healthcare looking after people with COPD, or you care for someone who has it.

If you're under 18 or can't fully understand what the study involves and agree to take part, then you won't be able to join. This also applies if you don't have any experience with COPD for the interview part of the study.

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?
Are you registered at a GP in North Sheffield (SAPA5 or The Foundry) for the breathing test part?
Do you have personal experience with COPD (as a patient, carer, or healthcare worker) for the interview part?
Can you fully understand what taking part means and agree to it?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study has different parts. If you're invited to the breathing assessment, you'll be asked to take a simple test called spirometry, which checks how well your lungs are working. This is a common test to diagnose lung conditions. If the test suggests you might have COPD or another condition, you would be referred to your own GP for further care, just like in normal practice.

If you're invited to an interview, you'll have a chat with a researcher about your experiences with COPD. This is a chance to share your thoughts and ideas. The study will run for about six years, from November 2023 to December 2029.

Potential risks and benefits

By taking part, you could help improve how COPD is found and treated, especially for people who might not usually get the help they need. Finding COPD earlier can lead to better health outcomes. The breathing tests, blood tests, and X-rays offered as part of this study are standard medical procedures and have a low risk. There's a small chance that the tests might reveal you have COPD, asthma, or another condition you weren't aware of. If this happens, the study team would make sure your GP is informed so you can get appropriate care. You are always free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (2)

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

SAPA5 Primary Care Networks
City only
Sheffield, United Kingdom
The Foundry Primary Care Network
City only
Sheffield, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is COPD?

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It's a common lung condition that causes breathing difficulties, such as shortness of breath and a persistent cough.

Why focus on 'underserved populations'?

The study wants to help communities that might face extra challenges in getting good healthcare, like those in poorer areas or from certain minority ethnic groups, to make sure everyone gets the care they need for COPD.

Will I get paid for taking part?

The information provided does not say if participants will be paid. You can ask the study contact person for more details.

What happens if they find something wrong with my breathing?

If tests suggest you have COPD or another condition, this information would be shared with your GP so you can get the correct ongoing care or be referred for further treatment, if needed.

Who is running and paying for this research?

This study is being run by the University of Sheffield and is funded by a group called the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

How to find out more

Shamanthi Jayasooriya

s.jayasooriya@sheffield.ac.uk +44 (0)77393967411 Official trial record

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