Very brief advice for pulmonary rehabilitation
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term lung condition that makes it hard to breathe. Pulmonary rehabilitation—a gentle programme of exercise and advice—is one of the best ways to improve daily life with COPD. However, very few people are referred to it, especially women, older adults, and people from diverse backgrounds. This study, led by Brunel University London, aims to change that. Researchers are creating a short training programme called 'Very Brief Advice' for healthcare staff. It teaches them how to have quick, positive conversations about rehab with patients. To build this training, researchers want to interview people living with COPD, their carers, and healthcare professionals. You do not need to take any medicines or visit a hospital. You can take part from home by phone or video call, helping to improve lung care across England.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Living with COPD can make everyday tasks difficult due to shortness of breath. The NHS offers a specialist programme called pulmonary rehabilitation (or 'rehab' for short). It combines gentle, guided exercise with helpful tips on managing symptoms. Rehab makes a huge difference to daily life, but right now, only a small number of people who could benefit are ever referred to it.
In the past, the NHS faced a similar hurdle when trying to help people stop smoking. They solved it using 'Very Brief Advice'—a quick, structured conversation that doctors and nurses use to suggest stop-smoking services. Researchers now want to adapt this successful idea for pulmonary rehab. The goal is to give healthcare staff the right words and confidence to encourage people with COPD to try rehab.
To make sure this advice works well in real life, researchers need to hear from people who know COPD best: patients, their families, and frontline NHS staff. By sharing your thoughts in relaxed discussions, you can help shape a training course that ensures future patients are offered the life-changing lung support they deserve.
Key takeaways
- Aims to help healthcare staff have quick, effective conversations about lung rehab.
- Open to adults with COPD, their family carers, and healthcare workers across England.
- Involves informal interviews and discussions rather than medical tests or exercise.
- Can be done entirely from home by phone or video call.
- Participants receive £25 vouchers to thank them for their time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to adults aged 18 and older who are living with COPD anywhere in England. Family members and unpaid carers of someone with COPD are also warmly invited to take part, as their experiences and viewpoints are just as important.
Healthcare professionals can also join if they have at least one year of experience working in pulmonary rehabilitation, referring patients to rehab, or holding specialist clinical expertise in lung health.
To take part, you must be able to understand the study and agree to join. People who have memory or thinking difficulties that would make taking part in a spoken interview too difficult or stressful cannot participate.
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 aged 18 or older?
- Do you have a diagnosis of COPD, or do you care for someone who does?
- (Or) Are you a healthcare worker with experience in pulmonary rehabilitation?
- Are you comfortable sharing your thoughts in a spoken interview or group chat?
- Do you live in England and have access to a phone, internet, or home visit?
What does participation involve?
Taking part is simple and does not involve any medicines, physical tests, or hospital visits. Everything can be done from the comfort of your home using a phone, a computer video call, or an in-person home visit if you do not use the internet.
You may be invited to take part in a one-to-one interview lasting under an hour to talk about your experiences with lung care and referrals. Some participants will also be invited to join small online group workshops to help design the training course. You can choose how much you wish to take part in, and you will receive a £25 shopping voucher for each stage you complete to thank you for your time. The study will run until May 2026.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (31)
- Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Respiratory CareCity only-, England
- Asthma and Lung UKCity onlyLondon, England
- Breathe Easy AndoverCity only-, England
- Breathe Easy BasingstokeCity only-, England
- Breathe Easy DarlingtonCity only-, England
- Breathe Easy South SeaUnverified-, England
- Bristol University Primary Care NetworkUnverified-, England
- Caribbean and African Health NetworkUnverified-, England
- Community Pharmacy EnglandUnverified-, England
- The Confederation Hillingdon Cic OOHUnverifiedUxbridge, England
- Council of Somali OrganisationsUnverified-, England
- Cumbria and North East Primary Care NetworkUnverified-, England
Common questions
Will taking part affect my usual NHS care?
No. Taking part in this study will not change your regular doctor appointments, treatments, or prescriptions in any way.
Do I need to travel to a clinic or hospital?
No. You can take part entirely from home over the phone or by video call. If you do not use the internet, a researcher can visit you at home.
Will I have to do any exercise?
No. This study is only based on conversations. You will just be asked to share your thoughts and experiences in an interview or group discussion.
Is there any payment for taking part?
Yes. As a thank you for your time, you will receive a £25 voucher for doing an interview and focus groups, with additional £25 vouchers if you join design workshops.
What happens if I change my mind?
You are free to stop participating at any time. You do not need to give a reason, and it will not affect your medical care.
How to find out more
Claire Nolan
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.