RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Tele-rehabilitation in Chronic Respiratory Disease: an Observational Cohort Study

This study is about a special programme called pulmonary rehabilitation, which helps people with long-term breathing conditions. It teaches them exercises, provides education, and offers ways to manage their condition better, improving their physical ability and overall quality of life. Because some people find it hard to travel to a healthcare centre, this study looks at a remote version of the programme. Participants can access it from home using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. The aim is to check how well this remote programme works and to make sure it's as effective as possible for everyone with chronic respiratory conditions.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

West Park Healthcare Centre

Enrolment target

Start

06 Apr 2023

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2025

Chronic Respiratory Disease

What is this study about?

If you live with a long-term breathing condition, you know how challenging it can be to stay active and feel your best. A programme called pulmonary rehabilitation is often recommended to help. It's a bit like a special training course for your lungs and body, combining exercises, education about your condition, and tips on how to manage your health every day. Many people find it helps them breathe easier, feel stronger, and improve their general well-being.

However, getting to a clinic or hospital for these programmes isn't always easy. Travel can be difficult, or you might live too far away. This study is exploring a new way to offer pulmonary rehabilitation: a remote version. This means you can take part from the comfort of your own home, using a computer, tablet, or even a smartphone to connect with the programme.

The main goal of this study is to see how well this remote programme works. Researchers will collect information and results from people taking part to understand its effectiveness. By doing this, they can identify any areas that might need improvement, ensuring that the programme offers the best possible support for people with chronic respiratory conditions. It's all about making sure this helpful programme is accessible and beneficial for everyone who needs it.

Key takeaways

Learn about a remote pulmonary rehabilitation programme.
Improve breathing and activity from home.
Help others by showing if this remote care is effective.
Suitable for adults with stable, long-term breathing problems.
Requires a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you would need to have a long-term breathing condition that is stable, meaning your condition isn't getting suddenly worse. You should also be someone who would normally be considered suitable for a pulmonary rehabilitation programme by your doctor.

It's important that you don't currently smoke. Your main breathing problem should be shortness of breath that significantly affects you in daily life. You also shouldn't have had a recent flare-up of your condition, and any other health conditions you might have should be well-managed and stable.

You wouldn't be able to join if you've already completed a pulmonary rehabilitation programme in the last year, as the study is looking at people who haven't recently done one. Also, you need to be able to talk easily with the healthcare team involved in the programme.

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.

Do you have a long-term, stable breathing condition?
Are you able to speak easily with a healthcare team?
Have you not smoked recently?
Do you get quite breathless in daily life (mMRC 2 or more)?
Have you NOT completed a pulmonary rehabilitation programme in the last 12 months?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study involves taking part in a remote pulmonary rehabilitation programme. This means you'll be doing exercises and receiving education from home, using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. The programme is supervised, so healthcare professionals will be guiding you.

The study is mainly about collecting information on how well the programme works. This includes summarising the results of people taking part. You won't be asked to visit a special clinic for extra appointments beyond what's involved in the rehabilitation programme itself.

The total duration of your participation would be for the length of the pulmonary rehabilitation programme, which is typically several weeks. There are no special medications involved in this study outside of those you might already be taking for your condition.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer you the benefit of accessing a pulmonary rehabilitation programme remotely, which might be more convenient if you find it hard to travel. Pulmonary rehabilitation itself is known to improve breathing, physical ability, and quality of life for many people with lung conditions. As with any exercise programme, there's a small risk of muscle soreness or breathlessness, but the programme is supervised to ensure your safety. You are free to stop participating at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

West Park Healthcare Centre
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'pulmonary rehabilitation'?

It's a programme that combines exercise, education, and ways to manage your breathing condition, helping you feel better and stronger.

How is this programme different?

Normally, you'd go to a clinic, but this study uses a remote version, meaning you access it from home using a device like a computer or phone.

Who is running this study?

The study is being run by researchers looking at how well this remote programme works, potentially leading to improvements for patients.

Do I need special equipment?

You'll need access to an electronic device like a computer, tablet, or smartphone, and an internet connection to take part remotely.

What will I have to do if I join?

You'll participate in the remote pulmonary rehabilitation programme, which involves supervised exercises and some learning about your condition.

How to find out more

Research Assistant

diane.peterson@westpark.org 14162433600 Official trial record

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