Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

COPD Case Finding In Nottingham and District: C-FIND COPD A Pilot Study

This study, called C-FIND COPD, is happening in Nottingham and focuses on finding a common lung condition called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) earlier. Many people having special lung health checks (called TLHC) are also at high risk of COPD, often caused by smoking, which leads to breathlessness and a cough. Currently, COPD is often found late, when a lot of lung function is already lost. This study uses a mobile unit that follows the lung health check route. If you've had a CT scan there, you might be invited for simple breathing tests. The goal is to see if these tests can help diagnose COPD earlier. You'll also receive advice on managing your health, like quitting smoking, exercise, and vaccinations. There's also an optional blood test.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

Enrolment target

568

Start

21 Sep 2023

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2025

COPD

What is this study about?

This research project, known as C-FIND COPD, wants to find a lung condition called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) earlier in people living in Nottingham. COPD is a long-term lung disease, often caused by smoking, that makes it hard to breathe and can cause a cough. Many people don't realise they have it until it's quite advanced, meaning a lot of their lung function has already been lost, and this damage can't be reversed.

Currently, some people in the UK are invited for a Targeted Lung Health Check (TLHC) if they've smoked in the past. This check usually involves a special type of X-ray called a CT scan. The C-FIND COPD study aims to see if we can use this same group of people – those already having a CT scan – to also check for COPD. A special mobile research unit will travel to the same locations where these CT scans are done, a couple of weeks later. If you've had a CT scan there, you might be asked to come for some simple breathing tests.

The main idea is to find out if offering these breathing tests in the community, alongside the existing lung health checks, can help more people get diagnosed with COPD earlier. This early diagnosis could mean people get help sooner, such as advice on stopping smoking, tips for managing their symptoms, and general health guidance like getting vaccinations or staying active. This study will also involve a small group discussion to understand what makes it easier or harder for people to take part.

Key takeaways

Finds lung condition (COPD) earlier.
Uses simple breathing tests.
A mobile unit will visit your local area.
Get advice on smoking, exercise, and general health.
Optional blood test.
Aiming to improve early diagnosis for people at risk.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you generally need to have a history of smoking. This includes people who are currently smoking or used to smoke, and who fall into the group typically invited for the Targeted Lung Health Check (TLHC) based on their smoking history.

Specifically, if you're aged between 55 and 74 and have smoked in the past, you might be invited for an initial phone assessment to see if you're at high risk for certain lung conditions. If deemed high risk, you would then be invited for a CT scan. This study, C-FIND COPD, is aimed at people who have had such a CT scan in Nottingham. Even if you haven't had a CT scan but have a significant smoking history and come to the mobile unit, you might still be able to take part.

However, you cannot join if you are currently being treated for cancer or if you are unable to understand and agree to take part in 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 between 55 and 74 years old?
Have you smoked in the past or do you currently smoke?
Have you been invited for or had a CT scan as part of a Targeted Lung Health Check in Nottingham?
Are you able to understand and agree to take part in a research study?
Are you NOT currently being treated for cancer?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you're invited and choose to take part, the mobile research unit will usually be located in your area a couple of weeks after your CT scan. You can visit the unit at a time that suits you while it's open. During your visit, you'll first be asked to give your informed consent, which means you'll have all the study details explained, and you'll agree to participate.

You'll then complete some questionnaires about your symptoms and health. The main part of the visit involves simple breathing tests, which measure how well your lungs are working. There's also an optional blood test if you agree to it. Trained healthcare professionals will guide you through everything, and a research nurse will be there to help. This study doesn't involve any medication, and the visit itself is designed to be quick and convenient. The total duration of your involvement would typically be a single visit to the mobile unit.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially benefit you by helping to diagnose COPD earlier, which means you could get advice and treatment sooner to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. This could include support for quitting smoking, managing breathlessness, and general health advice. The risks are very low; the breathing tests are safe and common, and giving blood is a standard procedure with minor risks like bruising. You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

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

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Nottingham, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is COPD?

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It's a common lung condition that makes it hard to breathe, causes a cough, and can make you feel tired. It's often linked to smoking.

What is a 'breathing test'?

A breathing test (also known as spirometry) is a simple way to check how well your lungs are working. You'll be asked to take a deep breath in and then blow hard into a machine.

Do I have to give blood?

No, the blood test is optional. You can still take part in the rest of the study even if you prefer not to have a blood test.

How long will my visit take?

The study visit to the mobile unit is designed to be quick and convenient, likely taking a short amount of time for the questionnaires and breathing tests.

What happens if they find something?

If the tests suggest you might have COPD, you will get advice and information, and your GP will be informed so you can discuss next steps and any potential treatments.