Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

A Pragmatic Real-world Multicentre Observational Research Study to Explore the Clinical and Health Economic Impact of myCOPD

This study is about myCOPD, a phone app designed to help people manage Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is a common lung condition causing breathlessness and cough. Many people with COPD struggle to get the right support, like exercise programs called Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR). The study will look at how well myCOPD works in two different areas of the UK. In one area, it will see if using myCOPD helps people recover quicker after being in hospital for a COPD flare-up. In another, it will check if the app can help people in isolated communities access PR and manage their condition better from home. The main goal is to show the NHS how valuable myCOPD is, so more people can benefit.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

my mhealth Ltd

Enrolment target

200

Start

04 Sep 2023

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2025

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

What is this study about?

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a common and serious lung condition in the UK. It makes breathing difficult, often causes a cough, and can limit how much exercise you can do. Sometimes, people with COPD have sudden flare-ups, which can lead to hospital stays. Keeping COPD under control usually involves taking medication and doing special exercise programs called Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR). However, many people find it hard to get the support they need from local NHS services.

This is where myCOPD comes in. It's an app for smartphones or tablets that helps you manage your COPD. Think of it as a personal helper in your pocket, offering support for different parts of your condition, including the exercises you'd do in PR. The app means you can get help and guidance from home, which is especially helpful if you find it difficult to travel or live in a remote area. Previous studies have hinted that myCOPD can improve symptoms and exercise ability, similar to traditional PR classes, and help people recover better after being in hospital.

This new study wants to find out exactly how much myCOPD can help, particularly in terms of reducing hospital visits and making sure people can access the care they need. Researchers will look at two different parts of the UK. In one, they will see if the app helps people who have just been in hospital with a COPD flare-up get better faster and avoid going back to hospital. In the other area, they will see if myCOPD can help people in harder-to-reach communities take part in PR and get the specialist support they need. The findings will help decide if myCOPD should be used more widely across the whole NHS.

Key takeaways

This study explores how a digital app, myCOPD, helps people with COPD.
It aims to improve recovery after hospital stays and provide better access to care.
The study focuses on real-world use of the app in different UK communities.
Your participation could help improve COPD care across the NHS.
The app helps you manage your condition from home or anywhere.
It's an observational study, meaning you'd use an existing, approved app.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult over 18 years old and have been diagnosed with COPD. You also need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part.

For some parts of the study, you might need to have recently been in hospital because of a COPD flare-up. For other parts, the local healthcare team will decide if the study is right for you, especially if it involves the exercise programs, and you need to be willing and motivated to use the app.

You won't be able to join if you're under 18, don't have COPD, or are receiving end-of-life care. Also, if you have certain serious heart conditions, severe memory problems, or other medical issues that the doctor thinks would make it unsafe for you to participate, you would not be able to join.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with COPD?
Can you give informed consent (understand and agree to take part)?
Have you recently been in hospital for a COPD flare-up (for one part of the study)?
Are you motivated and willing to use a digital app to manage your condition?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the exact details of what you'll do will depend on which part of the study you're in. Generally, you would be using the myCOPD app on your smartphone or tablet to help manage your condition. This might involve completing exercises, tracking your symptoms, or getting information about COPD. If you've been in hospital for a COPD flare-up, the app could be used to help you recover at home. If you live in an isolated area, the app might help you access exercise programs and specialist advice.

You would likely have regular contact with the study team through the app or other communication methods. They will collect information about how you are using the app and how your health is improving. The study is observational, meaning you'll be using an existing app as part of your care, rather than receiving new experimental medication. The duration of your participation will vary, but you will be informed of this at the start.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer several potential benefits, such as gaining better tools to manage your COPD, potentially recovering faster after hospital stays, and accessing support from home, especially if you find it hard to attend face-to-face appointments. For the wider community, your participation could help the NHS understand how best to support people with COPD. As the study uses an established app, significant medical risks are not expected. However, as with any health program, there's always a chance you might find the app challenging to use, or that it might not work for everyone in the same way. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (3)

Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust - Liskeard Community Hospital
Liskeard, United Kingdom
North Bristol NHS Trust - Southmead Hospital
Bristol, United Kingdom
University Hospital Bristol & Weston NHS Foundation Trust - Bristol Royal Infirmary
Bristol, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is COPD?

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It's a common long-term lung condition that makes it hard to breathe, often causing a cough and breathlessness.

What is the myCOPD app?

The myCOPD app is a digital tool for smartphones or tablets designed to help people manage their COPD symptoms, access exercise programs, and get information to support their health.

Will I have to go to the hospital more if I join?

No, the study actually aims to see if the myCOPD app can help people recover from COPD flare-ups at home and potentially reduce hospital visits.

Do I need a smartphone or tablet to use the app?

Yes, the myCOPD app is designed for use on digital devices like smartphones or tablets.

What will happen with my personal information?

The study team will protect your personal information carefully and use it only for research purposes, following strict privacy rules.